The Hungarian Football League is entering the most important stretch of the regular season, and every game is starting to feel like a playoff matchup. While some teams are finding their rhythm at the perfect time, others are struggling to stay consistent. One thing is clear: outside of the league-leading Cowbells, nothing is decided yet. 1. Budapest Cowbells (4-0) The Cowbells once again looked like the strongest team in the league. From the opening drive, they controlled the tempo and never allowed their opponents back into the game. Their offense moved the ball with confidence, while the defense continued to play disciplined football. RB Richard Seay Jr. opened the scoring with a powerful rushing touchdown that immediately gave the Cowbells momentum. A few minutes later, QB Kelemen Marcell connected with WR Csumán Botond for a passing touchdown after a well-executed drive that showcased the chemistry between the two. DL Douglas Atkins was brought on offense where he added another rushing touchdown before Seay found the endzone for the second time, proving once again how dangerous the Cowbells rushing attack can be. In the second half, Kelemen Marcell continued his strong performance by finding WR Rogria Donell Lewis Jr. for another touchdown pass that completely put the game out of reach. At this moment, Budapest looks like the most complete team in the HFL. 2. Budapest Wolves (3-2) The Wolves may still hold a top-two position, but their recent performances are starting to raise concerns. Their offense struggled for most of the game and failed to establish any rhythm, even after adding new offensive weapon QB/WR Czirók Márton Tamás. Later in the half, Szakács Kristóf Gergely converted a field goal to keep the score manageable. In the fourth quarter, the Wolves finally found some offensive energy. QBTóth Levente connected with WR Balogh András Márton for a touchdown pass, and Czirók successfully converted the two-point attempt. Unfortunately for Wolves, the comeback came too late. The talent is still there, but the Wolves need to rediscover their offensive identity quickly. 3. Győr Sharks (2–2) The Sharks did not play this week, but they remain inside the top three while preparing for an important matchup against the Blue Dragons next weekend. With their balanced offense and physical defense, Győr still looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the league heading into the final weeks of the regular season. 4. Újpest Bulldogs (2-3) The Bulldogs delivered one of the best defensive performances of the season in their victory over the Wolves. Their defense completely disrupted Wolves offense from start to finish and created momentum with multiple turnovers. DB Amarouche Naim Abdellall made an early statement with an interception in the first quarter before DB Mmadi Amin Icham added another pick shortly after. The Bulldogs offense capitalized on those opportunities when RB Owen Lima Van Gorcum punched in a rushing touchdown to give Újpest the lead. The biggest play of the game came in the fourth quarter when Mmadi Amin Icham intercepted another pass and returned it all the way for a defensive touchdown, completely shifting the momentum toward the Bulldogs. A few minutes later, QB Emhő Lóránt showed his speed and added another rushing touchdown that sealed the victory. This was a complete team performance built around aggressive and disciplined defense. 5. Budapest Titans (1-3) The Titans did not play this week, but they still moved up one position in the rankings thanks to their earlier victory over the Blue Dragons. Their next challenge will be against the league-leading Cowbells. The two teams already faced each other earlier this season, which makes this rematch even more interesting as the Titans look to prove they can compete with the top team in the HFL. 6. Blue Dragons Belgrade (1–3) The Blue Dragons struggled once again offensively and defensively, especially during the first half, but there were still some promising moments after halftime. DB Nikola Lekic and DB Varsey Bright gave the defense life with two interceptions, helping Belgrade stay competitive. In the second half, QB Michael Cornwell finally found his rhythm and connected with WR Elijah Smoot for two touchdown passes. Smoot showed his playmaking ability on both scoring drives, creating separation and finishing both possessions with strong catches in the endzone. K Nikola Boskov added both extra points to keep the game alive late. Despite the loss, the second-half performance showed that the Blue Dragons still have the potential to compete if they can start games stronger. The Playoff Race Is Still Wide Open The regular season is quickly coming to an end, but the playoff picture remains far from decided. The Cowbells may already look secure at the top, but every position below them is still up for grabs. Every team still believes they have a chance, and with the level of competition in the HFL this season, anything can happen over the next few weeks. Upcoming Games 31.05 — Győr Sharks vs Blue Dragons Belgrade 31.05 — Budapest Titans vs Budapest Cowbells The next round could completely reshape the standings once again.

1. Guelfi Firenze Another great victory for Guelfi Firenze, this time at the home of a direct rival, Frogs Legnano, mathematically securing first place in the playoff standings. The 48-24 final score was perhaps predicted by some, but even against the big teams, the Tuscans are prepared, and now they can dream big. After the match against the Warriors Bologna the following weekend, thoughts turn to a season finale that could bring not one, but two major trophies. In fact, on June 6th, Guelfi will face the Thonon Black Panthers (9-1 in the French FFFA Division 1) away in the CEFL semifinal, a prelude to a very heated month in Italy and Europe. 2. Panthers Parma The Legnano Frogs' home defeat against Guelfi Firenze benefits the Panthers, who enter the final match against the Lombardy side with a winning streak and plenty of determination. The numbers are clear: The winner will secure second place and an extra week to prepare for the semifinals. 3. Dolphins Ancona The Dolphins closed the Regular Season with a convincing 56-40 home victory over Rhinos Milano, completing the first half of the season with a convincing 5-3 record that was unthinkable at the start of the year. The consistency of Rik Parker's team, not only in the final game, is a significant reward for what they have demonstrated in a very difficult season with high expectations like this one. The head-to-head matchups, however, could be difficult if they end up with a three-game draw against Torino and a team between Legnano and Parma, regardless of the result of the Week 13 match between the Frogs and Panthers. 4. Frogs Legnano The Frogs missed a great opportunity to ease their way to the playoffs, as their second defeat of the season came at a very delicate time because of their opponents. It's well known that Guelfi Firenze have been somewhat of a Monstars team of the IFL this year, but the Black-and-Silver team's poor performance isn't a good cover for their final matchup against Parma. Thanks to their overall point differential, the Frogs are still in second place, but a loss to the Panthers could condemn them to qualifying as fifth-placed team. 5. Giaguari Torino The scorching and unique Italian summer is making itself felt, and the Giaguari Torino, awaiting their fate, are on a desert beach eating ice cream and sunbathing, ready to head into the Wild Card Round with their sights set on the third seed. The advantage of playing at home and having a game that, on paper, is more manageable, will be a welcome privilege for a team that shouldn't be overlooked heading into the Ferrara final. 6. Lazio Marines A grueling, hard-fought, but deserved victory for the Marines on their home court against Warriors Bologna, a near-defeat that kept them dreaming of the sixth seed. The final score of 33-26, however, reflects a game of two halves: first, a great first half on offense; second, zero points scored but a defense that nevertheless withstood the Emilian assaults. Rome will have to turn orange and black next week, because if the Rhinos beat Aquile Ferrara, they'll be in sixth place. 7. Aquile Ferrara Lazio Marines' victory over the Warriors is bad news for the Estense team, who will have a significant stake in the playoffs to play on the final day. In fact, a win against the Rhinos will be enough to secure the last available spot, but if they lose their sixth consecutive game, the collapse will be imminent. 8. Warriors Bologna The 33-26 defeat in Rome definitively condemns the Warriors to pack their bags and say goodbye to the 2026 season. Indeed, with one more game to play than their direct rivals, Lazio Marines and Aquile Ferrara, the Bolognese still had a chance. The key lies in the second half played by Christian Nobile's team, which was unable to maintain momentum on offense while the defense held the Roman team at bay, who failed to score in the third and fourth quarters. The final match of the day against Guelfi Firenze will be a farewell to a season to forget and from which they can learn a lot. 9. Rhinos Milano This weekend, too, the opposing team's dominance was too much for the Rhinos, who now have nothing left to ask of the championship. The Orange-Blacks held out for a quarter against the Dolphins, then fell behind, looking for a late response in the final quarter. The Milanese team has only one game left in their cursed season: their Week 13 home game against the Ferrara Aquile, a game that will decide who will qualify for the playoffs as the sixth and final seed. Road to Italian Bowl - Playoff Combinations: - Sixth Place With the final matchday approaching, it's time to discover the results and possible playoff combinations. Currently, five teams are already guaranteed a spot, with one between Lazio Marines and Aquile Ferrara securing sixth place. The Marines completed the regular season with a 3-5 record, which the Estensi can match in their final match. The combination is simple: If Ferrara beats the Rhinos, the Emilians will advance thanks to their head-to-head record against Lazio Marines, while if they lose, the Romans will face the third-place team. - Second Place and Other Playoff Placements With Guelfi Firenze's first-place finish confirmed thanks to their victory over Frogs Legnano this weekend, the semifinal will be a tough one between the Lombardy team and the Parma Panthers, who, coincidentally, meet on the final matchday of the championship. The winner will finish the regular season in second place, while the loser could drop in the standings, but it all depends on the head-to-head record. In fact, there's a risk that one of the two teams could finish 5-3, as do Giaguari Torino and Dolphins Ancona. If Legnano were to lose to Parma, they would finish in fifth place, as they have a zero point differential in their head-to-head matches against Torino (+20 and better point differential) and Ancona (-20 and worse point differential), with one win and one loss each, and the Dolphins having won their Week 8 head-to-head matchup. In this case, the standings would read: 3rd: Giaguari Torino 4th: Dolphins Ancona 5th: Frogs Legnano If Parma were to lose, however, the situation would be different. Giaguari would remain in third place, having beaten both Parma and Ancona in the regular season, while Parma, having defeated Ancona, would finish in fourth place. 3rd: Giaguari Torino 4th: Panthers Parma 5th: Dolphins Ancona While waiting for the final round, this is the expected playoff schedule: Guelfi Firenze (1st) - ... Frogs Legnano (2nd) - ... Panthers Parma (3rd) - Lazio Marines (6th) Giaguari Torino (4th) - Dolphins Ancona (5th) Still in the hunt: Aquile Ferrara (7th) Eliminated: Warriors Bologna (8th), Rhinos Milano (9th)

Another LPFA season is officially in the books. The 2026 campaign delivered dominant defenses, dramatic comebacks, breakout players, rebuilding projects, and one of the most impressive undefeated runs the league has seen in recent memory. But not every season is measured the same way. For some teams, success meant lifting the trophy. For others, simply remaining competitive, developing younger players, or re-establishing stability represented meaningful progress. With that in mind, here are the final grades for every LPFA XVI team. Lisboa Devils - A+ There is simply no other grade possible. The Devils completed a fully undefeated season and capped it with a Maleo Bowl victory over the Cascais Crusaders, finishing as clear national champions and establishing themselves as one of the most dominant teams in recent LPFA history. What made this team special was not just the wins — it was the consistency. Week after week, regardless of opponent, the Devils controlled games through physicality, defensive discipline, and a system that always seemed prepared to adapt. Their defense was unquestionably the best in Portugal, conceding only 26 points during the regular season and continuing to dominate throughout the playoffs. Even in games where the offense struggled with penalties or stalled drives, the defense consistently kept the team in control. And yet, ironically, the penalties remain the one blemish on an otherwise extraordinary season. Offensive flags and self-inflicted mistakes repeatedly appeared throughout the year and even during the final. Against stronger future opposition, that could eventually become costly. Still, none of that changes the overall picture. The Devils were the best team in the league from start to finish. Cascais Crusaders - A- This season felt chaotic at times for the Crusaders. Compared to previous years, Cascais frequently dealt with lower roster numbers, inconsistencies, and stretches where the team simply did not look like a true title contender. But as the season progressed, the Crusaders steadily evolved into one of the league’s most dangerous teams. By the end of the year, they were playing their best football. Their semifinal comeback against the Navigators was arguably the game of the season, and even in the Maleo Bowl, they pushed the undefeated Devils to the limit, entering halftime with the lead and remaining competitive until the final whistle. The Crusaders may not have finished the job, but they absolutely re-established themselves as one of the country’s elite programs. And considering the adversity they faced throughout the year, that alone deserves enormous credit. Lisboa Navigators - A- This felt like the season where the Navigators truly arrived as a complete team. Balanced, disciplined, and filled with a strong mixture of youth and experience, Lisboa spent most of the season looking like legitimate championship contenders. Their only regular season loss came in a tight battle against the Devils, and for large stretches of the semifinal against Cascais, they looked destined for the Maleo Bowl. And then everything collapsed. The loss to the Crusaders will undoubtedly linger because of the way it happened. Leading 28-12 at halftime and losing control of the game in the second half exposed issues with game management, momentum control, and composure under pressure. Still, one painful playoff loss should not erase the bigger picture. This Navigators roster feels closer than ever to breaking through, and the foundation they built this season could very well translate into future championship runs. Braga Warriors - B The Warriors season feels simultaneously positive and slightly disappointing. On one hand, Braga once again proved themselves capable of reaching the playoffs and competing physically with stronger teams. Over the course of the season, they clearly improved, becoming more organized and increasingly competitive as the weeks progressed. On the other hand, this was also supposed to be the season where Braga firmly established themselves alongside the league’s top contenders. Instead, they once again fell short against the “big three”: Devils Navigators Crusaders Their semifinal loss to Lisboa summarized the season well. The Warriors fought hard defensively and remained competitive for stretches, but offensively they never quite looked capable of consistently threatening elite defenses. There is still clear upward momentum within the program. But the next step — truly challenging for championships — still feels slightly out of reach. Lisboa Bulldogs - B- Despite missing the playoffs, this may have been the Bulldogs’ most encouraging season in years. The roster showed flashes of individual talent, competitiveness, and improvement throughout the season, remaining in playoff contention until the very final week. That alone represents progress. The issue, however, was consistency. At times, the Bulldogs looked capable of competing physically with stronger opponents. In other moments, the lack of cohesion and overall identity within the team became impossible to ignore. Still, compared to previous years, there are finally signs of direction and growth within the program. The final loss to Braga that eliminated them from playoff contention hurts, but it also highlights how close they may be to becoming a genuine postseason team again. Salgueiros Renegades - C+ This was always going to be a rebuilding season. After significant roster losses entering the year, expectations around the Renegades were understandably limited. And while the results themselves were inconsistent, the team still managed to avoid finishing winless and remained competitive in several games. Most importantly, they showed resilience. There were moments where the Renegades looked physically outmatched, but they continued fighting throughout the season and slowly improved as the year progressed. The overall ceiling remains unclear moving forward, but this never felt like a team that quit on the season. And in rebuilding years, that matters. Maia Mutts - C The Mutts once again embodied one of the league’s most frustrating realities. Every week, they competed with heart, aggression, and effort. And every week, roster limitations eventually caught up to them. Much like previous seasons, Maia struggled heavily with numbers and depth, making it incredibly difficult to sustain competitiveness over four quarters against more complete teams. Yet despite finishing winless, the Mutts rarely felt lifeless. They remained hard-working, physical, and emotionally invested throughout the season — something that deserves recognition even if the results themselves remained disappointing. The challenge now is no longer effort. It is sustainability.

The 2026 LPFA season has its champion. After months of dominance, pressure, expectations, and increasingly difficult tests, the Lisboa Devils completed a perfect campaign, defeating the Cascais Crusaders 24–20 in the Maleo Bowl 2026 and finishing the season undefeated. But while the final result will forever show another Devils victory, the game itself was far from comfortable. For one half, it genuinely felt like the Crusaders might pull off the upset. A Final Worthy of the Occasion The road to the Maleo Bowl could not have looked more different for these two teams. The Lisboa Devils arrived through another composed and physical playoff performance against Braga, while the Cascais Crusaders fought their way through one of the wildest and most entertaining games of the entire LPFA season against the Navigators. And fittingly, the final itself became a clash between those two identities. On one side stood the Devils: structured, disciplined in their execution, and built around defensive dominance and physical control. On the other stood the Crusaders: explosive, emotional, unpredictable, and carrying the momentum of an incredible semifinal comeback. The Crusaders entered the final as underdogs, but also as arguably the hottest team in the league after surviving their dramatic battle against Lisboa Navigators, and early on, they played like a team that fully believed they could win. Cascais took a 14–7 lead into halftime, capitalizing on an aggressive rushing attack and a Devils team that once again struggled with penalties and offensive inconsistency. At that moment, the pressure had quietly shifted onto Lisboa. An undefeated season was suddenly at risk. Halftime Adjustments Change the Game Championship teams are often defined less by how they start games, and more by how they respond when things stop going according to plan. And in the second half, the Devils looked once again like the team that had dominated Portuguese football all season long. The adjustments made at halftime completely changed the rhythm of the game. Lisboa began controlling the line of scrimmage more aggressively, leaned even further into the run game, and slowly suffocated the Crusaders’ offense possession after possession. Statistically, the contrast became obvious: 309 total yards to 209 207 rushing yards to 115 10 first downs to just 5 40 rushing attempts The Devils did not explode offensively. They imposed themselves physically. Little by little, the momentum shifted entirely toward Lisboa as long, methodical drives started wearing down the Crusaders defense. Meanwhile, Cascais struggled to sustain offensive rhythm during most of the second half, producing several extremely short drives and repeatedly finding themselves overwhelmed by the Devils’ defensive front. The Devils Defense Defines the Championship Throughout the season, the identity of this Devils team was always clear. Defense first. And fittingly, the championship was won the same way. Even when trailing at halftime, there was never a sense of panic from Lisboa because their defense continued keeping the game within reach. Once the offense settled down, the defensive unit elevated its level even further. The Devils finished the game with: 13 pressures 2 sacks 3 pass deflections Only 5 first downs allowed Even when the Crusaders found success early, sustaining it consistently proved nearly impossible. The pressure never stopped building, by the end of the final, the same conclusion remained unavoidable: The Lisboa Devils were the best defense in Portugal and possibly one of the most dominant defensive units the LPFA has seen in recent years. Efficiency vs Control One of the most fascinating aspects of the final was how differently both teams moved the ball. The Crusaders were actually far more efficient near the goal line, finishing with an impressive 80% redzone efficiency, compared to just 44% for the Devils. That efficiency is largely why the game remained close until the final minutes. But outside of those moments, Lisboa controlled almost every major aspect of the game: possession field position rushing dominance down-to-down consistency defensive pressure The Devils generated 10 explosive plays, compared to only 4 from Cascais, and consistently managed to create chunk gains at critical moments. Meanwhile, the Crusaders relied more heavily on isolated momentum swings and individual breakthroughs. It made for a fascinating stylistic contrast: Cascais played with emotion, explosiveness, and opportunism Lisboa played with structure, physicality, and control And eventually, the cumulative weight of that control became too much. The One Remaining Flaw Ironically, even in a championship victory, the Devils once again showed the one issue that followed them throughout the season: Penalties. Lisboa finished the game with 15 penalties for 116 yards, continuing a trend that repeatedly stalled drives and kept opponents alive longer than necessary. Against most teams, their talent advantage allowed them to survive those mistakes. Against a resilient Crusaders side in a championship environment, those errors nearly became costly. It remains one of the few areas where this team still feels vulnerable — despite completing a perfect season. Crusaders Leave the Final with Heads Held High Although the defeat will hurt, the Crusaders leave the 2026 season with plenty of reasons for optimism. This was a team that spent large parts of the year dealing with roster limitations and unusually low numbers compared to previous seasons. At times, the campaign felt inconsistent and unstable. But week after week, the team improved. By the end of the season, the Crusaders had transformed into one of the most dangerous teams in the league, nearly upsetting an undefeated champion on the biggest stage possible. After trailing heavily against the Navigators in the semifinals, they showed remarkable resilience to reach the final. And against the Devils, they once again proved capable of competing physically and tactically with the league’s elite. This may not have ended with a trophy, but it absolutely felt like a season that re-established Cascais as a true contender moving forward. A Historically Dominant Season As for the Devils, the story is now complete: undefeated, league champions, the best defense in the country and winners of what will likely be remembered as one of the most dominant seasons in recent LPFA history. They controlled games in different ways all season long: sometimes explosively sometimes methodically sometimes through pure defensive suffocation But regardless of style, the result almost never changed, and now, with the Maleo Bowl trophy in their hands, the 2026 Lisboa Devils have officially secured their place among the great teams in Portuguese American football. Special Thanks A special thank you to Cobra Team Stats and specifically to Rafael Cobra (Cobra Team Stats) for the statistical tracking and advanced game data used throughout these playoff articles. From drive summaries and situational efficiency to pressure metrics and explosive play analysis, the level of detail provided has added an entirely new layer to the coverage and understanding of the LPFA this season. What’s Next for Portuguese Football? While the 2026 LPFA season may be over, Portuguese American football is far from slowing down. The next major event on the calendar will be the FLAD International Cup 2026, where the FPFA All-Star Team will face the American college program CMS Stags in an international showcase game. The matchup is scheduled for: Date: May 23 Time: 16:00 Venue: Estádio Municipal Mário Wilson More than just an exhibition game, this event represents another important step for the visibility and growth of Portuguese football internationally. For the FPFA All-Stars, it will be an opportunity to showcase some of the league’s top talent against a North American college program and measure the continued development of the sport in Portugal against international competition. And after the intensity, drama, and quality displayed throughout the LPFA playoffs and final, the timing could not feel more appropriate. The 2026 season may have crowned its champion, but Portuguese football still has one more major stage left to step onto.

1. Wild Boars (4-0) The Wild Boars delivered another dominant performance this past weekend, continuing to prove why they are one of the strongest teams in the Danube American Football League this season. The offense started fast right from the opening drive. QB Isaiah Green wasted no time, connecting with WR Dimitrije Novakovic on a 50-yard touchdown pass to immediately set the tone. From there, the Wild Boars offense stayed in complete control. Green continued his impressive day by finding RB John Rincon for another touchdown, while the offensive line played a huge role throughout the game, giving the quarterback plenty of time in the pocket and allowing the offense to operate comfortably with very little pressure. Later, Green struck again with another deep ball, this time a 63-yard touchdown pass to WR Bogdan Šundović. The chemistry between the two continued to shine as Green later connected with Šundović once again for another score. Green also made plays with his legs, adding two rushing touchdowns to complete a huge all-around performance. 2. Bucharest Titans (2-2) For the Titans, this was another difficult challenge against one of the league’s strongest teams, but there were still positive moments to take away from the game. QB Sam Armstead showed leadership throughout the matchup and managed to connect with WR Chad Turner for an important touchdown, giving the offense a spark during the game. The Titans are still adapting to their new offensive system under the new offensive coordinator, and at times the potential was visible. There were moments where the offense moved the ball well and showed better rhythm compared to previous weeks, especially when the passing game started opening up. However, consistency remains the biggest issue. Drives that started well often stalled because of pressure situations or mistakes at key moments. Against a team like the Wild Boars, those small mistakes quickly become costly. Defensively, the Titans fought hard and managed to come up with a few important stops, but containing such an explosive offense for an entire game is never easy. The effort and intensity were there, yet the Wild Boars continued finding big plays both through the air and on the ground. 3. Sofia Bears (2-2) The Bears did not play this weekend after their scheduled matchup was canceled. Unfortunately, the Rebels were unable to travel due to logistical problems, meaning fans missed out on one of the expected games of the weekend. 4. Bucharest Rebels (0-4) The Rebels were forced to forfeit this weekend’s matchup because of travel-related issues. It’s been a difficult stretch for the team recently, but everyone around the league hopes they can regroup, bounce back, and find their rhythm again as the season continues. The next DAFL matchups are set for 30.05, and both games could have a major impact on the standings as the season continues to heat up. Rebels vs Titans Wild Boars vs Bears The Titans will look to bounce back and continue improving under their new offensive system, while the Rebels hope to recover after a difficult period and return stronger. Meanwhile, the Wild Boars will try to continue their dominant run, but the Bears should arrive rested and motivated after not playing this past weekend.

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

1.DANUBE DRAGONS(5-1) The Dragons are arguably the strongest team in the league right now and the loss against the Graz Giants changes little. I know that the players and the coaches internalised every single mistake and will not let them happen again. The Dragons are probably going to be in the final this season and there is nothing you can do about that. 2. VIENNA KNIGHTS (5-1) For a team that’s new to the league the Knights are really making a statement. They are a dominant team and a single loss only makes them stronger. Watch out for them, cause they’re only getting stronger. 3. GRAZ GIANTS (4-2) The Giants jogged over the start line but now they’re picking up the pace. After two losses in their first two games of the season, they never stopped winning and this week they were the first team to beat the dragons this season. It’s going really well for them. 4. PRAGUE BLACK PANTHERS (4-2) Prague was always a dominant team, but to keep that image this season they need to get some more wins. And that’s exactly what they’re doing. After two straight losses with 0 points they’re coming back for blood. They won their last two matches with at least 40 points and got their revenge against the Vikings. 5. VIENNA VIKINGS (3-3) I could have never imagined ranking the Vienna Vikings in the lower half of the league, but it finally happened. To me it seems like they’re only giving 50% and their score reflects that. They need to get back on their horse and keep riding it, like coach sobotka said. 6. SALZBURG DUCKS (2-4) It seems like after three losses in a row the Salzburg Ducks decided to lock in and get their second win of the season (against the weakest team in the league). Hopefully this time they will take that momentum and rise in the Power rankings. I’m rooting for them. 7. FEHERVAR ENTHRONERS (1-5) Despite their first win, I’m still not really sure how the Enthroners made it to the ELF in the first place. At the start of the season I was expecting that they would be dominant, but in the end they’re just as disappointing as in the ELF. I don’t know what that means for the franchise's future, but it doesn’t look bright. 8. SWARCO RAIDERS TYROL (0-6) A disappointing first half of the season for the raiders. 0 wins in 6 games. To be fair, four of the five games were against the two strongest teams in the league right now. Still, the scores weren’t even close. What's most embarrassing is the loss against the Salzburg Ducks, a team that is not known for being that good.

1. Guelfi Firenze The Guelfi rested in the Italian Football League, but their weekend was still filled with a solid 55-7 CEFL win over the Belgrade Blue Dragons. While waiting to find out their next European opponent, next week they'll face Frogs Legnano away in a game that will decisively decide first place in the standings, which will go to the Viola if they win. 2. Panthers Parma The Panthers' 47-7 home win over the Warriors Bologna was all too easy, a triumph that allows them to boost their second-place hopes. A flawless first half was enough for the Ducali to quickly close out the derby against a very weak team like Bologna, who never had a chance during either of their two games this Saturday. There's only one game left, a true showdown for second or third place against Frogs Legnano, but everything will depend on the Lombardy team's game next week against the Guelfi. 3. Frogs Legnano Currently, second place belongs to them, but the two games remaining before the end of the season will be crucial tests. First, Guelfi Firenze, then the Panthers Parma, with the real risk of dropping down the standings if things go badly, but with no fear of what lies ahead. 4. Dolphins Ancona Playoff mission accomplished. Despite a difficult start to the season, the Dolphins, coached by Rik Parker, confirmed their playoff presence with a 24-8 away victory over Aquile Ferrara. A 21-point first quarter, mostly from Cameren Grodhaus (a Pick Six and two TD passes), and a near-perfect defense were enough for the green and orange team to secure their fourth win in seven games, meaning they will be the fifth team to qualify for the finals. Their next game will be against the bottom-seeded Rhinos Milano, a great opportunity to improve their standings and have a more "viable" first-round playoff game. 5. Giaguari Torino The long layoff before the playoffs will be a problem not to be underestimated for the Giaguari Torino, who were engaged last weekend in a friendly, which later became a Joint Practice, with Ohio Wesleyan, an NCAA Division III college. Now at the mercy of the other teams, the yellow-and-blacks will still have the satisfaction of not finishing lower than the fourth or fifth seed, which is a good thing for them. 6. Lazio Marines The Marines, playing a friendly against another Division III college, Carroll, also enjoyed some of the weekend's results. Ferrara's loss is good news for them, at least partially, because the final playoff spot will be decided in the final two weeks of play. 7. Aquile Ferrara Another loss, their fifth in a row, for Ferrara, who still remain in sixth place despite their losing streak becoming too long. The Estense offense only came to the rescue in the final quarter, with the game almost over, too late to worry the Dolphins. With the head-to-head matches against the Marines and Warriors in their favor, the away game against the Rhinos Milano to close the regular season, and with a potential tiebreaker partially in Aquile's favor, concerns about a playoff qualification are growing. 8. Warriors Bologna There's little to say about the performance Warriors Bologna gave the crowd against Panthers Parma. The Bolognese team, coached by Christian Nobile, were treated like cannon fodder by the Panthers, and only managed to reach the end zone in the second period, after the game was already over. Despite the heavy defeat, the Warriors are virtually still in contention thanks to the fact that they have one game in hand, next week against the Lazio Marines, which could be worth a slice of sixth place or better finishes, and some regrets to be overcome. 9. Rhinos Milano A mandatory bye week for the Rhinos, who are out of everything with two games left against two teams involved in the playoff race. Against Dolphins Ancona and Aquile Ferrara, the mood is one: to do their best to honor a season that started badly and continued even worse.

1) Carlstad Crusaders (5-0) The reigning back-to-back champions have asserted their dominance over the league so far, scoring 49,6 points per game while only allowing 11,6 in the process. To be fair, their schedule to start the season was a rather easy one, already playing all the teams that are expected to be finishing in the bottom half of the table, but they’ve also convincingly beaten both the Örebro Black Knights and Stockholm Mean Machines with 3+ TD margins. A-Import Runningback De’Anta Sipp looks like the runaway favorite for basically all the awards, totalling 1.112 All-Purpose Yards and 18 Touchdowns throughout the first 5 games. 2) Tyresö Royal Crowns (3-1) After the Royal Crowns struggled in the season opener against the newly promoted Göteborg Giants, winning “only” 22-20 they’ve caught some speed beating both the Kristianstad Predators and the Giants again and dropping only one game to the Stockholm Mean Machines in the process. The recent addition of veteran Import Wide Receiver Alpha Jalloh will only further strengthen their so far impressive passing offense that now features three different Wide Receivers averaging 90+ Yards/Game, while Quarterback Trevor Vasey keeps piling up yards to increase his status as this league’s all-time leading passer with now over 2.500 yards clear of second place. 3) Örebro Black Knights (3-1) After an opening game loss against the Crusaders, Örebro has now won three games in a row with matchups against the Limhamn Griffins and Tyresö Royal Crowns on the horizon. They have a talented roster, including a former NFL Wide Receiver and a generally high valued receiving core led by swedish QB Viktor Ekberg who’s been commanding this formerly run-heavy offense well. If they can continue to improve throughout the season the Black Knights will once again be in contention for a home playoff game come June. 4) Stockholm Mean Machines (3-2) The Mean Machines are back! Yes, they’ve lost to both Carlstad and Örebro but have also beaten Tyresö and taken care of business against the bottom half teams of the league. A-Import Dawson Herl looks like the favorite for “Quarterback of the Year” so far, averaging close to 300 Yards/Game including a total of 14 Passing Touchdowns. Their run game is not bad but the receiving group is where this team strives. Currently 8 (eight!) different players are averaging at least 20 receiving yards per game with 6 of them having already found the back of the end zone this year. With games against Limhamn, AIK and Göteborg coming up one can expect the Mean Machines to be back in the playoffs this year. 5) Göteborg Giants (2-3) Göteborg has played a fine first season back in SuperSerien so far, currently sitting at 2-3. For a second there it looked like they would be able to sneak into the playoff picture, but with 2 of their remaining 3 games coming against the Crusaders and Mean Machines it’s safe to say that Göteborg will rather finish mid-table than in playoff contention. Nevertheless, the story of the Giants season so far is A-Import LB Tate Gustafsson who currently sits at 58 Total Tackles after just 5 games. If he keeps that pace he might be setting a single season record for most tackles in a season. 6) Limhamn Griffins (2-2) The Limhamn Griffins have won the games they needed to win, beating both Kristianstad in week 1 and AIK in week 5. Although they’re not competitive with the playoff teams this year, they’ve proven to be a dominant ground and pound team against the other competition. Young RB Dominik Kapas currently sits at 542 Yards and 3 Touchdowns after 4 Games and might very well be in contention for both Rookie and RB of the Year. 7) Kristianstad Predators (0-5) Next week’s matchup between AIK and Kristianstad is going to tell who’s most likely going to finish the season in last place. Though the Predators are sitting at 0-5 they have shown some flashes this year with veteran QB Philip Juhlin under center and the addition of American Linebacker Devyn Waters who currently ranks top 5 in the league in total tackles. 8) AIK (0-4) The Stockholm team has been struggling this year. Although having a very intriguing roster with many young and talented players in addition to former “WR of the Year” Joshua Hicks, AIK has been having a tough time on the field this season currently sitting at 0-4 and only having scored one touchdown so far this season. A bright spot is former Stockholm Mean Machines and Kristianstad Cornerback Enoch Muwanguzi who has somehow inserted himself into the league’s tackle leaders, including already 2 TFLs. The rest of the year is most likely going to be focused on developing the young and talented players they have and then regroup for the upcoming season.

One final weekend remains before the French D1 postseason arrives, and despite several teams already securing their positions, the regular season still has unfinished business to settle. The North Conference picture is nearly complete after last week’s early showdown in Thonon-les-Bains, where the Molosses secured their playoff berth. In the South, however, tension remains everywhere. Toulouse, the Catalan Grizzlys and Aix-en-Provence all enter Week 10 with realistic hopes of extending their season. At the top of the league, Cannes now has the opportunity to become the only team to complete a perfect regular season. Cannes Chasing History The Iron Mask no longer needs this weekend to secure first place. That work has already been done. Cannes locked up the South Conference weeks ago and will host a semifinal regardless of the final results. But perfection remains within reach. After Thonon’s defeat against Asnières, Cannes became the last unbeaten team left in D1. That reality changes the stakes entirely heading into their matchup against Toulouse. A flawless regular season would further establish the Iron Mask as the clear championship favorite entering the playoffs. The Ours, meanwhile, arrive with everything on the line. Their situation is brutally simple: beat Cannes and qualify. Any other result could leave their season dependent on outside help. The challenge becomes even tougher without quarterback Nick Eilers, who recently left the team for personal reasons. Still, Toulouse has shown resilience during the second half of the season, particularly through the emergence of Nathan Coutelloc under center. The Ours have already survived multiple pressure games over the past month. Now they face the biggest one yet. Marseille Already Qualified But Questions Remain Unlike Toulouse or Aix-en-Provence, Marseille already knows its postseason schedule. The Blue Stars are locked into a home Wild Card game next weekend against the Molosses. What they do not know yet is what version of themselves will appear in the playoffs. Their heavy loss against Cannes raised concerns at precisely the wrong time, especially defensively. Saturday’s meeting with Aix therefore becomes less about standings and more about restoring rhythm and confidence before elimination football begins. The coaching approach will also be worth watching closely. Marseille could decide to protect several key contributors ahead of next week, but risking a second straight disappointing performance would hardly be ideal either. Aix-en-Provence approaches the derby from a completely different perspective. A few weeks ago, the Argonautes appeared finished after a difficult stretch of results. Yet the South Conference race reopened unexpectedly, handing them one final opportunity to sneak into the postseason. To stay alive, they likely need a near-complete performance offensively. Aix has shown flashes this year when its ground game establishes control early and allows the offense to become unpredictable. Defensive playmakers have also helped keep the team competitive during difficult moments. Nothing is guaranteed anymore for the Argonautes. But they are still standing entering the final weekend, which looked unlikely not long ago. Molosses Deliver Statement Victory The defining result of the North Conference arrived before most teams even entered Week 10. Traveling to Thonon-les-Bains with their season effectively on the line, the Molosses produced one of the most disciplined performances of their year and stunned the defending champions 13-9. The victory officially secured a playoff berth for Asnières and simultaneously ended the Black Panthers’ hopes of finishing unbeaten. Rather than trying to match Thonon explosively, the Molosses relied on controlled possessions, defensive aggression and situational efficiency. That formula frustrated the defending champions throughout the evening and eventually produced the upset. For Thonon, the loss changes little in the standings. The Black Panthers remain directly qualified for the semifinals and still possess one of the league’s deepest rosters. Yet the defeat serves as a reminder that the postseason will offer no easy path back to the title. Rouen and Villepinte Playing Without Pressure Several teams enter the final weekend without playoff stakes, but not without motivation. Rouen’s late-season offensive improvement has become one of the more surprising developments in the conference. After struggling for consistency during much of the year, the Leopards suddenly discovered rhythm over the last two weeks and now close the season against the Flash. La Courneuve already secured second place and may prioritize player management more than the result itself. Avoiding injuries before the playoffs could become the main objective for the Flash coaching staff. Meanwhile, Fontenay-sous-Bois must quickly recover emotionally after seeing its playoff hopes disappear because of the Molosses’ victory. The Meteors spent most of the season competing for a Wild Card spot and narrowly missed out despite an impressive campaign as a promoted side. Their finale against Villepinte still offers an opportunity to finish above .500, a meaningful achievement considering preseason expectations. The Diables Rouges, for their part, finally removed the pressure of a winless year after earning a draw against Rouen in Week 9. Their final objective now becomes obvious: avoid ending the season without a victory. Catalan Grizzlys Still Alive The final game of the regular season could become one of the most important of the weekend depending on earlier results. If Toulouse loses in Cannes, the Catalan Grizzlys would control their own playoff destiny entering Sunday’s matchup against Grenoble. That possibility alone feels remarkable considering the trajectory of their season. Injuries and inconsistency nearly derailed the Grizzlys during the second half of the year, particularly on offense, where confidence visibly declined over recent weeks. Yet the opportunity remains there. Grenoble, however, has quietly become more competitive late in the season. The Centaures pushed Aix-en-Provence deep into the fourth quarter last week and continue searching for a first victory that has narrowly escaped them multiple times. Quarterback Nathan Valencia has developed stronger chemistry with his receivers in recent games, giving Grenoble more offensive balance than earlier this season. For the Grizzlys, that creates a dangerous situation: a high-pressure game against an opponent with nothing left to lose.

Disclaimer Early season rankings in the German Football League are always difficult to evaluate due to limited film, uneven schedules, and the overall volatility of the league from week to week. Because of that, these rankings are based on a combination of early and Week 1 performance. These rankings are expected to shift significantly as competition levels increase over the coming weeks. 1. Potsdam Royals The Royals opened the year by finding a way to win a low-scoring and highly competitive matchup against the Berlin Rebels. In a game that required discipline and situational execution late, Potsdam ultimately did enough to close it out. Until another team proves otherwise, they remain the safest choice at the top of the rankings. 2. Dresden Monarchs Dresden looked impressive in their opener, although the matchup itself was not particularly competitive. The offense appeared explosive, and the overall talent level stands out immediately. The bigger evaluation point will come once the schedule becomes more demanding over the next few weeks. 3. Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns The Unicorns looked extremely strong in Week 1. Overall execution, physicality, and team structure all stood out on film. They continue to look like one of the more complete and disciplined teams in the league early in the season. 4. Berlin Rebels Despite the loss, Berlin showed a lot in their matchup against Potsdam Royals. The Rebels competed well for most of the game and looked capable of matching up physically with one of the league’s top teams. Late-game execution ultimately hurt them, but the overall performance was still encouraging. 5. Hildesheim Invaders The Invaders handled business in a non-competitive opener and looked strong doing it. Like several teams near the top of the rankings, the next step will be seeing how they perform once the level of competition rises. 6. ifm Razorbacks The Razorbacks looked very good offensively in their opener, showing explosiveness and efficiency throughout the game. There is clear upside on that side of the football. Similar to other teams in this tier, future rankings will depend heavily on how they perform in more competitive matchups. 7. Düsseldorf Panthers Düsseldorf remains more projection-based at this point due to the lack of available evaluation film so far. However, the overall roster talent and expectations entering the season still justify a placement in the upper-middle portion of the rankings for now. 8. Pforzheim Wilddogs The Wilddogs impressed in their opener and handled their matchup well. The biggest question moving forward will be how the roster holds up once the schedule becomes more demanding later in the season. 9. Kiel Baltic Hurricanes Kiel has not fully entered the evaluation process yet, making this ranking more projection-oriented than performance-based. For now, placing them in the middle tier of the league feels like the safest approach until more film becomes available. 10. Munich Cowboys Munich appears to still be working through adjustments early in the season. With several new pieces involved, there are naturally going to be growing pains before the team fully settles into its identity. 11. Saarland Hurricanes The Hurricanes also appear to be in an adjustment period with a number of new faces throughout the roster. There is still talent present, but overall cohesion and consistency may take time to develop. 12. Braunschweig Lions The Lions currently look like a team still trying to establish an identity, post the New Yorker era. It will take time. 13. Regensburg Phoenix Regensburg appears to still be adjusting early in the season. There are flashes worth monitoring, but overall development and consistency will likely determine how quickly they rise moving forward. 14. Straubing Spiders There is still limited evaluation available on the Spiders at this stage of the season. As more film becomes available, their placement could change significantly in either direction. 15. Allgäu Comets The Comets did not look particularly strong in their opener, but it remains far too early to make major conclusions. Like several teams near the bottom of the rankings, improvement throughout the season remains entirely possible. At this stage of the season, these rankings should be viewed more as early evaluations rather than definitive statements. Teams that looked dominant still need to prove themselves against stronger competition, while teams that struggled early still have plenty of time to stabilize and improve. The next few weeks should provide a much clearer picture of the true hierarchy within the German Football League.

1. Guelfi Firenze The Guelfi continued their winning streak with a crucial 42-7 home win over the Lazio Marines. The Tuscans have gone eighteen consecutive games without defeat between the Regular Season and the Playoffs since last year in the Italian Football League. The game was settled in the first half for the league leaders, who, with their 6-0 record, officially qualified for the playoff semifinals. For them, the only thing left to do is decide whether they will finish first or second. There's little to distract the Guelfi. While the Viola are off next week in the IFL, they'll still be playing at home for their Second Round match in the CEFL against the Belgrade Blue Dragons. 2. Frogs Legnano The Giaguari Torino victory at the buzzer in Parma is a sigh of relief for the Frogs' semi-final hopes. Thanks to the Panthers' defeat, Legnano will remain in second place for now. This is the scene facing the Lombardy team ahead of the two tough matches they face in the final two games of the season against Guelfi Firenze and Panthers Parma, head-to-head clashes that represent a real turning point for their title ambitions. 3. Panthers Parma Another defeat for the Parma team, which now sees its goal of missing the first round of the playoffs slipping away. It's the second defeat of the season for the Panthers, who must surrender after a 25-yard field goal by Jacopo Salsa at the end of the game. The final score at the Sergio Lanfranchi Stadium was 23-21, a defeat that weighs heavily, especially considering the two remaining games. Next week, they face Warriors Bologna at home, a very easy matchup on paper, but then they face Frogs Legnano, the final match of the 2026 IFL, which will serve as a direct clash to determine who will play in the semifinals and who will begin their Road to Ferrara in the Wild Card Round. 4. Giaguari Torino The 23-21 victory over the Panthers, coming at the end of a truly intense battle, is a great satisfaction for Giaguari Torino, which with this victory finished the Regular Season first among the nine teams in the 2026 Italian Football League. The victory in Parma is a breath of fresh air for the yellow-and-blacks, who were coming off two heavy losses that had significantly undermined their near-perfect run up until then. Giaguari finished the regular season with a final record of 5-3, and will have to wait until the end of the regular season to see who will stand ahead of them in the Wild Card Round. 5. Dolphins Ancona The Dolphins are still reeling from their heavy loss to Guelfi Firenze a week ago, but this Bye Week will help them get back on track for the playoffs and, perhaps, recover some key players. Cameren Grodhaus, speaking to The Shield of Sports, one of FIDAF's Media Partners, stated that his team has never been truly healthy due to significant absences throughout the year, so a full-strength squad will be needed for the most important match of the season, the one scheduled against Ferrara in Week 11. 6. Aquile Ferrara Lazio Marines' defeat in Florence significantly improved the Aquile's playoff chances, as they currently lead the standings. There's little to celebrate, however. Four consecutive defeats have taken their toll this season, and the upcoming decisive match against Dolphins Ancona scheduled for Saturday, May 16th, will be crucial to their fortunes. 7. Lazio Marines The feeling of rebirth after two consecutive victories had galvanized the Lazio Marines, who emerged defeated and battered from the Guelfi Sport Center match against Guelfi Firenze. A 42-7 victory crippled the Roman team, increasingly at the mercy of their own and others' results. Aquile Ferrara have the tiebreaker in their favor, and if they win against the Dolphins next week, the playoff situation could become complicated for Cooper Heisey’s team. The Lazio Marines have only one game left, the home game against the Warriors in Week 12, which could be very important, but at the same time, could be of little use. 8. Warriors Bologna The Warriors' break is coming to an end. Christian Nobile's team will return to the field next week in a demanding match against the Parma Panthers, before closing out the year against the Marines. The playoffs are officially over for Christian Nobile's boys, who still have much to improve ahead of next season. 9. Rhinos Milano The same goes for the Rhinos, who after a disappointing year just want the final whistle to mark the end of a season that fell short of all expectations. The break will be longer for Luca Lorandi's men, who will face the Dolphins and the Aquile in the final two matchdays. A small honorable mention, to close out this Power Ranking, goes to the Italian Under-19 National Team, which defeated Israel’s Youth team 32-28 at the Guelfi Sport Center on May 10th. Thanks to Sunday's victory and the forfeit of Sweden, the Azzurrini's next opponent on September 19th-20th, who have decided to not play the game against Israel and received a penalty from IFAF, the team coached by Giorgio Longhi, former coach of the Warriors Bologna, has qualified for the final phase of the European Youth Tackle Football Championship for the first time in its history. See you in May and September 2027, dates of the two matches involving the Blue Team, leaders of Group B, for a historic event for the Italian youth football movement.

The LPFA semifinals delivered two very different games — one defined by control and discipline, the other by chaos, momentum swings, and one of the greatest comebacks the league has seen in recent years. The result? The Lisboa Devils remain unbeaten and advance to yet another final, while the Cascais Crusaders survive an instant classic against the Lisboa Navigators to set up a highly anticipated championship clash. Lisboa Devils 16 – 7 Braga Warriors Silent dominance sends Devils to the final It may not have been the flashiest performance of the season, but it was perhaps one of the clearest examples of what makes the Lisboa Devils so difficult to beat. The scoreboard says 16–7. The game itself felt even more controlled than that. The Devils quietly dominated the trenches from start to finish, leaning heavily on the run game and wearing down what had consistently been one of the most physically imposing defenses in the league throughout the season. Braga’s front had earned respect all year long, but against Lisboa, they simply could not hold up for four quarters. And once again, everything started with the Devils’ defense. Even after questions surrounding injuries and missing pieces in recent weeks, this unit once more proved why it remains the gold standard in Portuguese football. The pressure was relentless, the tackling disciplined, and Braga’s offense never truly looked comfortable for extended stretches. At this point, it is impossible not to recognize the depth of this defensive roster. Different players continue stepping in seamlessly, and the overall level barely drops. The Devils don’t rely on one or two stars — they rely on a defensive identity that has suffocated nearly every offense they’ve faced this season. Allowing only 7 points in a semifinal against a playoff team is simply another chapter in what has already been a historically dominant defensive season. Braga still managed to put together a respectable performance overall. Defensively, they fought hard, and the game remained within reach for long stretches. But offensively, inefficiency ultimately cost them, due partly to Lisboa’s defensive dominance, and partly to a few questionable decisions from the Warriors’ coaching staff in key moments. For the Devils, however, there remains one recurring issue: penalties. Once again, offensive flags and self-inflicted mistakes stalled drives and prevented the game from becoming a complete blowout. Against most teams, Lisboa’s talent allows them to survive those mistakes comfortably. In a final against the Crusaders, that margin may become far thinner. As for the Warriors, the season ends in somewhat mixed fashion. Expectations entering the year were that Braga could finally cement themselves among the league’s true elite. Instead, they once again fell short against the LPFA’s established top three: the Devils, Navigators, and Crusaders. Still, the trajectory remains positive. Braga clearly improved throughout the season and showed signs of becoming a more complete team week after week. This may not have been the breakthrough year many expected, but it certainly did not feel like a step backward either. Cascais Crusaders 38 – 34 Lisboa Navigators Crusaders complete stunning comeback in instant LPFA classic If Devils–Warriors was a tactical and physical battle, then Navigators–Crusaders was pure chaos — and easily the most entertaining game of the 2026 LPFA season. At halftime, it looked over. The Lisboa Navigators led 28–12, controlled the pace of the game, and seemed destined for a place in the final. The Crusaders looked flat, disconnected, and completely overwhelmed during the first half. And then everything changed. Cascais came out after halftime playing with urgency, aggression, and belief, while the Navigators appeared to fall into a dangerous sense of comfort. What had looked like a controlled game quickly spiraled into a shootout, with momentum swinging entirely toward the Crusaders. Little by little, the comeback became real. The Crusaders’ offense exploded to life, finally finding rhythm through the air and on the ground, while the defense began creating the stops they desperately lacked early on. Suddenly, the pressure shifted entirely onto Lisboa — and the Navigators never truly regained control. By the final whistle, the Crusaders had completed one of the most impressive playoff turnarounds the league has seen, winning 38–34 and punching their ticket to the championship game. Despite the collapse, this should not overshadow what was still an outstanding season for the Navigators. Their only losses came against the two teams now competing for the title, and both were highly competitive games. This is a roster with an excellent balance of youth and experience, and a team that feels far closer to a championship breakthrough than previous iterations. The foundation is clearly there. For the Crusaders, however, the focus now shifts toward the ultimate challenge. Because waiting for them in the final is a Devils team that has shown absolutely no signs of complacency all season long — and more importantly, a team that still hasn’t lost a single game. Watch the Semifinal Highlights For those who missed the action — or simply want to relive two very different but memorable semifinal games — highlights are now available online: Devils vs Warriors Highlights Navigators vs Crusaders Highlights From the defensive dominance of the Devils to the unbelievable second-half comeback by the Crusaders, both games perfectly captured the intensity of this year’s playoffs. Maleo Bowl 2026: The Final Is Set The 2026 LPFA season now comes down to one final showdown. The Maleo Bowl 2026 will feature the unbeaten Lisboa Devils against the battle-tested Cascais Crusaders, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated finals in recent league history. The championship game will take place on: Date: May 16 Time: 17:00 Venue: Estádio Municipal de Mafra The matchup places two completely different journeys face-to-face. On one side, the Devils arrive undefeated, powered by the league’s most dominant defense and a level of consistency no other team has managed to match this season. On the other, the Crusaders enter the final riding the momentum of an incredible playoff comeback, proving they have the firepower and resilience to compete with anyone when their offense catches rhythm. Discipline, physicality, execution, and composure will likely decide who lifts the trophy. Because after months of football, the LPFA season now comes down to a single game.

The controversy had erupted days before the game. In that grey, murky area that social media so often becomes, the announcement of the Spanish Bowl venue was met with attacks on the Spanish American Football Federation (FEFA) and accusations of favouritism and lack of transparency. But let us start at the beginning, if it is even possible to establish a clear starting point in a controversy that has overshadowed (or at least managed to divert attention from) Las Rozas Black Demons’ emphatic 27-13 victory over Badalona Dracs in the Spanish Bowl. The call issued by the Spanish Federation to host the final of the National American Football League (LNFA), known as the Spanish Bowl, had received no bids. Facing financial difficulties and the need to operate under a cost-free organisational policy, the requirements state that any party interested in hosting the final must take on significant expenses, including officiating costs, ambulances, live streaming and, of course, the rental of the field itself. Not many teams in Spain have full availability of the venues where they play their games. The weeks went by. The most evenly matched and exciting regular season in years was moving dangerously close to the playoffs, still without a venue capable of offering everything the Federation required. As a result, the Federation once again contacted clubs and regional federations to request a host. With the deadlines stretched almost beyond belief, Black Demons and Badalona Dracs submitted their proposals. Both were clear favourites to reach the final and both made their candidacy conditional on actually being finalists. On April 25 FEFA was closely following both semifinals: Badalona against Osos Rivas, and Las Rozas against Terrassa Reds. The Federation was waiting to see whether at least one of the bidders would make it to the final. What would have happened if Osos and Reds had won? Probably none of what followed. That same Saturday, FEFA made its decision. On Monday, April 27, five days before the final, the Federation announced the venue. For the second year in a row, Black Demons (the No. 1 seed) would have to travel to Badalona to face Dracs (the No. 2 seed). The Catalan bid included a cash payment to the Federation, in addition to covering the organisational costs. Black Demons’ proposal, by contrast, did not include any cash payment, but instead offered (and economically valued) the future use of their field for a training camp for Spain’s flag football national teams ahead of an event scheduled for the following weekend. Social media exploded. The Federation’s post filled up with negative comments (very negative ones, in the unpleasant style that dominates the internet) coming, logically, from the Las Rozas fans. They accused the Federation of being scarcely (if at all) transparent in its process and of once again favouring Badalona Dracs. Not in those exact words, unfortunately, but in rather stronger ones. Responses from the other side were quick to arrive. Dark clouds gathered, the air grew heavy, and throughout the week the storm built with inflammatory comments and exchanges of accusations, while the Federation remained silent. Prudent, perhaps, but insufficiently so. The storm broke after Black Demons’ on-field whirlwind. The Madrid team won the game against a combative Badalona Dracs side. They celebrated their victory, celebrated the more than deserved MVP award for national running back Daniel Romero, watched the trophy presentation for the runner-up and then, like the first drops of rain before the downpour, the Black Demons players left the field one after another and headed to the locker room without collecting the Championship trophy, leaving the Federation president standing alone. A gesture of protest. A clear message. The problem was that they also left behind the crowd gathered at Badalona’s municipal stadium (almost 1,800, according to the organisation) and the local authorities who had attended the game. And then? Then came the statements again on social media: from the Federation president, from the Black Demons president, from the mayor of Badalona and from anyone else seeking unnecessary notoriety and willing to throw more fuel on the fire. Speaking on the Spanish podcast 8 Costuras, the president of Black Demons stood by the decision and accepted the possible consequences. The Federation has opened disciplinary proceedings, the outcome of which will have to be known in the coming weeks. His account of events upheld the version of an injustice, although he made it clear that the only intention was to show their disagreement with the venue in the least harmful way possible: not lifting their own trophy but remaining on the field to attend the presentation received by their opponent and runner-up, Dracs. Daniel Romero himself, the game’s MVP, confirmed that the decision had been unanimous and was made in defence of family and friends who, for the second consecutive year, had been forced to travel the more than 600 kilometres separating Badalona from Madrid. Today, just a few days after the events, the storm seems to be easing. But what we all regret is that a combination of unclear circumstances has led us to a point where, once again, the story is about everything except what happened on the field. And what we all need and deserve is transparency and clear skies: an explanation of how the process unfolded.

1. Wild Boars (3-0) The Wild Boars played with intensity, discipline, and the confidence of a team fully aware of why they hold the number one spot. From both sides of the ball, they controlled the pace and never allowed the Titans to settle into the game. Offense wasted no time making an impact. RB Bogdan Djordjevic opened the scoring with a powerful rushing touchdown, setting the tone for what would become a long afternoon for the Titans defense. The offensive line consistently created space, and the running game kept the chains moving throughout the contest. Defensively, the Wild Boars were relentless. DL Godson Aleru delivered one of the biggest plays of the game with a forced fumble that shifted momentum even further in his team’s favor. The loose ball was picked up by LB Luka Stevanović, who sprinted all the way to the end zone for a defensive touchdown, igniting the sideline and the crowd alike. QB Isaiah Green continued to orchestrate the offense with confidence and efficiency. He connected with LB/RB John Rincon for another touchdown through the air, showcasing the chemistry and rhythm the offense maintained all game long. Djordjevic added his second rushing touchdown of the day, while Green also found the end zone himself on a rushing score. Later in the game, Green linked up with Bogdan Šundović for another touchdown pass. Šundović was one of the key offensive weapons throughout the matchup, recording several important receptions and consistently gaining valuable yards after the catch. By the end of the game, the Wild Boars had once again demonstrated why they are considered one of the league’s elite teams. 2. Bucharest Titans (2-1) Despite the difficult result against the league-leading, they continued to battle until the very end. Facing one of the strongest teams in the competition, the Titans struggled to establish offensive rhythm and found themselves under constant pressure from the Wild Boars defense. The Titans offense had difficulty gaining consistent yardage, with drives often ending before they could fully develop. Still, there were moments that highlighted the determination and resilience within the squad. WR Chad Turner fought his way into the end zone after hauling in a touchdown pass from QB Samuel Armstead, giving the Titans a moment of momentum and energy during the game. On the ground, RB Schreiber Bill worked hard against a physical defensive front, managing to pick up several solid rushing gains through effort and persistence. WR/DB Bigo Mostafa also contributed with multiple receptions and productive yardage, providing another reliable target in the passing game. Although the scoreboard did not favor the Titans, the team continued to compete with effort and determination until the final whistle. Games like this provide valuable lessons, and the Titans will look to regroup, improve, and come back stronger in the weeks ahead. 3. Sofia Bears (1-2) Sofia didn’t panic after a fast and aggressive start from Rebels. Instead, they absorbed the pressure early and slowly worked their way back into the game, showing patience and resilience. Their first major response came through the air, with QB Hristian Chan connecting for a touchdown to WR Nikolaj Georgiev. That score was important not just for points, but for confidence, it showed they could break through despite Bucharest’s early dominance. From there, Sofia began to settle in defensively. LB Kristian Evtimov made a key interception that helped swing momentum and gave the defense a strong highlight moment. The defensive front also played with more intensity, closing gaps and limiting explosive plays that had worked early for Bucharest. After halftime, the identity of the game shifted clearly. Sofia came out more physical, especially on the ground. RB Rafael Benbasat delivered a strong rushing touchdown, powering through defenders and giving his team the lead in momentum and control. That score marked a turning point, as Bucharest’s early rhythm started to fade. As the game progressed, Sofia continued to apply pressure and play more comfortably on both sides of the ball. The finishing moment came when QB Hristian Chan once again made an impact, this time using his legs to sneak into the end zone himself and seal the game. 4. Bucharest Rebels (0-3) Bucharest came into this matchup looking sharp and confident, and for a good part of the game, they absolutely showed why. The opening phases were played at a high tempo, with the offense firing early and putting immediate pressure on the opposition. The first breakthrough came from DB/WR Percy King, who set the tone right away with an early touchdown. His impact didn’t stop there, he continued to be a key weapon throughout the game, showing up both as a receiver and playmaker. Shortly after, RB/LB Trevonte Carter powered his way into the end zone on the ground, finishing a physical drive and giving Bucharest early control of the scoreboard. Bucharest responded quickly to the adversity and didn’t lose their rhythm. QB Alexandru Irimia found Percy King again for another touchdown connection, proving that their passing game was clicking and dangerous whenever given space. Defensively, Bucharest also had moments that kept them ahead. DB Adrian Bențe and LB Petru Matache both delivered a key interception, showing awareness and timing at an important moment. At that point, they were competing on both sides of the ball and still looked fully in control of the flow. However, as the game moved into the second half, things began to change. The early energy they started with slowly faded, and maintaining consistency became a challenge. Drives became shorter, and the offense struggled to match the intensity they had in the first half. Despite the strong start and clear talent across the roster, Bucharest couldn’t fully adapt when the momentum shifted. We’re now halfway through the regular season, and the picture is becoming clearer, but also more competitive than ever. Even with the Wild Boars showing clear dominance and holding onto the first seed since the very beginning, almost every game has been close. There are no easy matchups anymore. Every team has shown they can compete, and on any given week, the result can swing either way. That makes the race for the best seed much more intense, with small details and game-day execution often deciding the outcome. The next match-up will be on 16 May, where Titans are facing Wild boars, but this time at Home. Also Bears are going to have a home game against Rebels.