Almost a month later, First Down Mag is back with some news on Italian Football during the offseason. The Italian Movement is running wild despite the forced stop after the end of the Senior championships in July. Now the focus is on the national Flag Football teams playing in both The World Games and in the Euros in September, while the Junior Tackle Championships will start in less than two months, while the National Tackle team will face a new challenge in November. A new challenge for the Blue Team Italy, after their participation in the IFAF Tackle Football European Championship in October, when they will play in the Final Four for the title, will also play in a new tournament endorsed by the International Federation. The Blue Team will be part of the first Gridiron Nations Championship with Germany and Canada . Both European teams will play against the North American side at home on November 9th in Milan and November 16th in Bochum, Germany. If Italy and Germany will face each other in the European Championship , that game will also count for the GNC standings, but if both teams won’t have a game, the record and the points difference against Canada will count as a tie-breaker. There will be light... Mike Wyatt Field , the home court of Aquile Ferrara named after former Aquile and Italian National Team Head Coach Mike Wyatt , has inaugurated its new lighting system. This means that the team from Emilia-Romagna can play some night games in the future, unlike last year, when Ferrara played all its games under the scorching sun. Ferrara , returning in 2025 to the Italian Football League after nine years, ended their season on a 4-6 record and missing the playoffs after being involved in the run with Skorpions Varese and Giaguari Torino , losing the train to Toledo in the last game, losing against Pirates Albisola and watching the Skorpions win over Lazio Marines at home. Guess who’s back… Back again… Doves Bologna , 1985 Italian Champions, have announced that will play in IFL2, the second tier of Italian Football, in 2026. Despite a bad season, finishing 0-6 in the 2025 Nine Football League, the team will continue to play in Second Division, but it will become official during the next months. After winning their only title fourty years ago, they folded in 1989 and came back in 2007 as one of the first teams in the new Italian Football League , in 2008. Also a couple of teams have announced their return to competition: Lancieri Novara , from Piemonte, whose last tournament was the cancelled 2020 CIF9, now known as the Nine Football League , the third division of Italian Football, and a historical team from Rome, Gladiatori Roma , one of the first four teams that composed Lega Italiana Football americano (LIF), the first American Football tournament in Italy, active from 1980 to 1981. Gladiatori have also announced some players during the last few days: Former Legionari Roma and Giaguari Torino QB Elia Giachino will join the team, while OL Giovanni Mariani Bartolini and LB Lorenzo Vitelli will come back to the Red and Yellow side. The last time Gladiatori played Tackle Football under FIDAF was in 2017, reaching the playoffs in Seconda Divisione (now known as IFL2) and losing to Warriors Bologna in the Quarter Finals. The team then made a collaboration with Barbari Roma Nord , four time Second Division champions, forming Pretoriani Roma and playing third tier Football. The Grizzlies-Mavericks diatribe During the last weeks a fight has broke out between two teams from Rome , the Grizzlies , a historic side from the Capital city now playing in the IFL2, and the newly born Mavericks, a team formed by some former Grizzlies players. First, the Grizzlies Instagram Account has been transformed into the Mavericks Roma new Instagram profile, giving the impression that the orange and white team was about to change something, but then, some days later, everything went back to normal. Meanwhile, the Mavs have opened their own IG account. The Grizzlies have published a statement accusing the Mavericks for illegally appropriating their Instagram profile, spreading fake news inside the team and illegally getting players. The Orange and White side has decided to take actions against the people behind this mutiny. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have announced Davide Lupatelli , former player and coach for some teams in Rome like Gladiatori , Pretoriani and Grizzlies , as their first Head Coach. NFL Academy announces a Combine in Milan The NFL Academy has announced a Combine on September 6th in Milan, at Velodromo Vigorelli , for players between the age of 14 and 18, thanks to the collaboration of the Elevate Sports Academy , an organization inside Italian Football that is building the next generation of players. Some young italian players, like WR Filippo Petrillo and QB Giacomo Troni , were part of the NFL Academy during the past… Who’ll be next? Players and Coaches Movements Warriors Bologna have announced halfway through July their second Import Player for the 2026 season. QB C.J. Fowler , Arizona born and raised, will be a new blue and white player for next year, replacing Viktor Wessberg as the Felsinei QB . Fowler already has some experience outside of the U.S. , as this will be his fourth season in Europe , after playing in Poland (Tychy Falcons, 2022), Austria (AFL’s Swarco Tirol Raiders, 2023) and Norway , but in a team from the Swedish Superserien (Oslo Vikings, 2024). Lazio Marines have also announced their first two Import Players, as former Duquesne University and Yougstown State LB Gianni Rizzo , from Pennsylvania, and former New Hampshire University QB Seth Morgan , also from Pennsylvania, will wear the sky blue shirt next year. Rizzo has made a total of 141 Tackles (72 solo and 69 assisted), 21.5 Tackles for loss for 73 yards, 5.5 Sacks for 32 yards and two Forced Fumbles in three season with the Dukes , while Morgan , in his last year with the Wildcats , has made a 244/384 in completed passes, with 22 TDs and 8 interceptions, also scoring two rushing touchdowns. After gaining some experience in a Pittsburgh Steelers camp, he will join the Marines as a replacement for Josiah Norwood , who played in Rome last year. Speaking of Lazio Marines , OC Cooper Heisey has been named the Head Coach of the Football departement at the Rome City Institute , a college-like institution in Rome that has a collaboration with FIDAF, involving some of its players in the IFL Draft . In the ELF , Matteo Mozzanica , who has won the title with Superserien’s Carlstad Crusaders in July, has signed immediately after with the Vienna Vikings , on the same day Andrea Serra and Rocco Zucchelli were put in the Injury List. Meanwhile, Tirol Raiders have signed Kristian Giardinieri , who has played for Dolphins Ancona in the 2025 IFL, getting to the Championship Game. After being released by Rhein Fire , Jordan Bouah has signed for the Stuttgart Surge , a team plenty of italian players, like veteran Alessandro Vergani , and fomer IFL Import Players , like QB Reilly Hennessey , a 2021 Italian Bowl winner with Panthers Parma . Fan favourite Robert Macaj , this year wearing the Guelfi Firenze shirt and winning the IFL title, will continue his 2025 season in Germany , as a member of the Dresden Monarchs , last year’s GFL runner up team, just like his teammates Niccolò Formosa , announced as a new Allgau Comets player, and Giovanni Scialdone , returning in Germany for the second straight year for the Comets . Another player from the 2025 season who has made his debut in Germany was Dejvion Edwards-Steward , former Bergamo Lions Safety, now returning in the GFL playing for the Ravensburg Razorbacks , making his return in the german championship after three years. At last, two young Lazio Marines players, Alessandro Fristachi and Matteo Lorini Dabiankov , will play and study in the United States next year. Fristachi will play for the Kenston Forest Kavaliers in Virginia before he stays in the States to play College Football at Oakland City University , while Lorini will be a member of the Linsly High School Cadets in West Virginia. Junior Championships alliances Some italian teams have already announced their involvement in the FIDAF Junior championships that will be played in the fall/winter period. Trappers Cecina , a Second Division side from Tuscany, will play in the Italian Cup (Under 21 championship), while IFL’s Aquile Ferrara will join forces with now IFL2 side Doves Bologna , Italian champions in 1985, in three title runs (Under 15, Under 18 and Under 21). Guelfi Firenze also have announced their participation in almost all the tournaments, announcing via Social Media their commitment to all the championships. Unlike in other countries, the Junior Championships will be played outside of the senior season, as the players will participate in four categories (Under 12, Under 15, Under 18 and Under 21). The finals will be played during the first weekend of January 2026. The 2025 World Games: Italy ends the tournament in Eighth Place The Women’s National Flag Football Team has played the first of two tournaments in two months, the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. After accepting the invitation made by IFAF due to the announce of Spain ’s forfeit, Italy was put in Group B with Great Britain , the defending European champions, Japan and Mexico , the defending World Games champs, winning gold in the Women’s tournament in 2022. Italy has accepted the invitation made by IFAF after the Spanish federation , sixth at the last World Championship in Finland , decided to withdraw from the event at the end of February , as the first team eliminated from contention after getting an eighth place in Lathi . After losing all three games of the first phase against Great Britain (26-13), Mexico (46-7) and Japan (33-6), the Blue Team has also lost against the United States (33-12) in the Quarter Finals and the rematch against Great Britain (35-28 in Overtime), forcing Tommaso Monardi ’s side to play in the 7th place final against Japan , also losing 33-0 and ending the tournament in eighth and final place. After losing all the games in the chinese tournament, the National Women’s Flag Football team has some work to do, as in one month the Euros are on in Paris and the top 6 teams will move on to the 2026 World Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany. Italy also had a representative between the referees, as Riccardo Zampedri was the only Italian official called for the event. Zampedri also was a member of the referee team that officiated the Gold Medal Game between Mexico and the United States as a Field Judge. The mexican team went back to back, winning the Final against the U.S. 26-21, while Canada took the Bronze Medal by winning 38-20 against Austria . The home team, China , after making the upset against Japan in the 5th-8th place semifinal, has finished the tournament in sixth place after losing to the defending European champions, Great Britain , 34-13. Italian Football mourns the tragic loss of Elephants Catania player Francesco Aronica  We conclude this article remembering the loss of Francesco Aronica , a Elephants Catania Player who has died while he was on vacation in Apulia , crushing his head heavily on a jump from a cliff. The young player, who also played for Lazio Marines during the Junior Championships, played a huge role in the 2025 season, as his team finally broke a 23 year title hiatus winning the IFL2 championship game against Saints Padova . He was 23 years old. “ He was a 360° football athlete, starting when he was ten years old, first with Flag Football and then moving to Tackle, revealing high-level sportsmanship that will lead him to be part of the winning roster of the Elephants in 2025.  He expresses love and passion for this sport, where he excels as an athlete and is committed to coaching the youngest members of the Elephants Flag Football team, whom he takes care of with the cheerfulness and joy that have always distinguished him, working on both sides of the sideline”, This is the FIDAF 's remembrance regarding this tragic passing. Meanwhile, the Sicilian team has announced that they have opened a fund for projects and initiatives named after Aronica, continuing his legacy as a great player and coach between the team’s youngsters. First Down Mag sends its condolences to Elephants Catania and all of Francesco Aronica 's friends and family.

And with that, the 2025 BAFA Premiership regular season comes to an end, making this not only the last power ranking of the year, but also the playoff preview (where we’ll begin), and we’ll have a look at the promotion picture as it stands. Playoffs Set In my first ranking of the season, I outlined this weekend’s fixtures as being an unmissable part of the playoff race, and while there weren’t any huge surprises, it definitely didn’t disappoint. In the first match of the weekend, the #1   London Warriors travelled to the South-West to face the #2 Bristol Aztecs in what I believe could be a preview for Britbowl XXXVII. Thanks to the Aztecs’ loss to the #5 London Blitz back in June, this game didn’t actually have any playoff implications - with both the Warriors  and Blitz locked into the #1 and #2 seeds in the Prem South respectively - but that didn’t stop both teams playing as though everything was on the line. In the end, thanks to a missed field goal in the 4th quarter, the Aztecs had to settle for a 24-24 draw which was probably a fair result considering both teams were clearly keeping their cards close to their chest ahead of a potential post-season meeting.  In a game which did have implications for playoff seeding, the #3 Manchester Titans  hosted the #4 Coventry Phoenix with the Prem North title on the line, and in complete contrast to the very even first game between these two sides, the Titans dominated. Emerging 37-6 victors, the Titans secured another Prem North title and will get the chance for a home rematch against the Bristol Aztecs , the side who knocked them out at the same stage last year. Manchester's success this year can almost entirely be put down to the patience   of their coaching staff: sticking with rookie QB Charlie Martin  as he found his feet at this level and trusting their defense to win them games where needed, their approach was in complete contrast to Coventry's , who moved to their third QB this season during this game, in an attempt to get the offense moving - and with the divisional title on the line, is there a worse moment to be making a change like that? The Phoenix  will, however, still get a chance to avenge past playoff exits as they hit the road to face the Warriors . Though it is still to be seen whether this matchup can be as close as the 28-20 scoreline from the 2022 postseason. The Semi-Finals will be played on the weekend of 23/24 August, to set the stage for Britbowl XXXVII on Sunday the 7th September at Butt's Park Arena in Coventry. Eyes on next season For most of the teams in the BAFA Premiership, the end of the regular season simply means the end of their year, and the team most frustrated with this will be the #5 London Blitz . After an excellent season where they scored 310 points, finished 7-3, and beat the Aztecs  on the road, the Blitz  have definitely shown that they are a playoff calibre team - and were they in the Northern division, would have almost certainly stormed into the postseason. Unfortunately they just miss out and must now shift their attention to next season. However, it is not all doom and gloom for the Blitz, who managed to flip last year's 3-7 record in only one season thanks to a young squad with star players like WR Jack Porteus and RB Keenan Dieobi-Anene who will no doubt be looking to step up further next year. If this team can take another leap this offseason, then they will no doubt be contending right at the top of this division. Another team right on the cusp of playoff contention is the #6 East Kilbride Pirates . With the Glasgow Tigers  falling short in the Division 1 playoffs, the Pirates  will once again be the Premiership's only Scottish team in 2026, and thus will have another year benefitting from Britball’s best home-field advantage. This is, however, both a blessing and a curse; in their 4-3-1 season, the Pirates  were only able to win 1 away game. Getting results south of the border is something they will need to figure out going into 2026 if they genuinely have the playoff ambitions that the quality of their roster would suggest. Potentially controversially, I honestly believe that the #7 Rushmoor Knights could be the happiest team at the close of the 2025 regular season. A 4-6 record may constitute a losing record, and they may have found themselves on the wrong side of some big scorelines, but for such a young team who didn't really have an answer at QB until midseason to have completely avoided any relegation talk in their first season back in the top flight feels like a serious achievement. With so many of these young players also playing for BUCS sides, the Knights  may even find key players coming back stronger after developing further during the BAFA off-season. Add players like star RB Harvey Macey (who took home the 2025 rushing title, finishing the season with 956 yards at 6.9 ypc having played just 8 full games) into the mix, and this team has the strength, quality, and now the experience, to really kick on at this level. The other newly-promoted side, the #8 Nottingham Caesars have had an incredibly difficult season; losing QB Liam MacGovern  to injury somewhat slammed the brakes on their season just as it seemed as though they were starting to get going. After losing at home to Newcastle  in the opening week, they spent much of the season as the favourites to be relegated from the Prem North, but thanks to their final-day 44-6 hammering of the Vikings , a 2-6 record is enough to keep them in the top flight regardless of the Vikings’ unfortunate automatic relegation. However, the year is not without its positives for the Caesars , whose defense has performed exceptionally well at times this season: only conceding >30 points in a game on one occasion. Their rushing attack has been equally effective throughout the year, exemplified by 6 players combining for 314 ground yards in this week's win; going into 2026, they will need their passing attack to be more functional - to give their rushing attack more room to operate.  Unlike the Caesars, the #9 Cambridgeshire Cats had to take their survival campaign to the final day of the season and will no doubt need to take a massive sigh of relief before beginning to prepare for next season. After going 3-7 in 2023 (their first season in the top flight) and 6-4 last year, the Cats  felt like a team on the rise; a 1-8 season where they have periodically struggled for numbers was the last thing anyone thought 2025 would have in store for them. But the one thing you can't take away from the Cats  this year is the sheer effort that has gone into it. This is a team that simply would not die. If they can recruit well, retain key players and coaches, and just generally regroup, there isn't a reason why the Cats  can't be a stable, competitive team at this level for the long-run. Ups and Downs The #10 Hertfordshire Cheetahs had hope on the final day: they needed to beat the Knights at home, and hope that the Blitz  didn't slip up on the road against the Cheetahs. The Blitz more than delivered: walking away with a 46-3 win, putting the Cheetahs’ fate in their own hands - but a disappointing 23-7 loss has consigned them to the Promotion/Relegation promotion game, where they will have one last opportunity to save their spot in the 2026 Prem South. This season they have simply been plagued with injury - it feels as though they lost more key players as every week went by. No team can function like that, especially not at this level, and I really hope the entire Britball community can sympathise with them on that front. Similarly to what I said about the Cats , the Cheetahs are a team needing to rebuild and regroup. Whether they have to do that in the Premiership, or whether they have to drop down to Division 1 is still to be seen - but if they do find themselves relegated, the Prem South can be sure of one thing: they'll be back. The #11 Newcastle Vikings’ season has been, in many ways, the worst-case scenario. Winning the first game of the season by one score, the Vikings  would then find themselves losing every successive game - getting blown out 4 times and recording a loss via walkover along the way. After a playoff appearance last season, nobody is more shocked at their current situation than I am. There has been a lot of speculation around what happened, especially regarding the lead up to the walkover - but with so many different narratives cropping up, I imagine the number of people who know for sure is very small. What I do know, is that under Article 14.9 of the BAFA Contact Competition Rules and Regulations 2025, a forfeited fixture at this level will result in an automatic relegation. This is, unfortunately, largely academic though, as the Vikings ’ 1-7 record would see them relegated regardless. The only difference, really, is that instead of having the lifeline of a Promotion/Relegation playoff game, both the Scunthorpe Alphas and Merseyside Nighthawks  have been automatically promoted to the Prem North regardless of the score in the Division 1 North Final (thanks to the loss of the Edinburgh Wolves  and the automatic relegation, the there are 2 spots needing filling in the Prem North). The Vikings  have a history of success in Division 1, and will hope that at least one year at that level will allow them to rebuild and return promptly to the top-flight, as the Nighthawks  have done this year.

And just like that, the regular season of Europe’s premier league has come to an end. It ’s been one of the most thrilling campaigns yet, but before the playoffs begin, let’s take one last look back at everything that unfolded. 1st. Vienna Vikings 11-1 What a season, huh? In one of the decisive games, they completely crushed the Parisians’ ambition of reaching the playoffs. But it was far from an easy task, the battle went all the way to overtime before they could finally secure the win. Still, the victory came with a few warning signs. Defensively, they struggled to contain their opponent’s offensive firepower, conceding a staggering 422 total yards. It was a reminder that while they proved their resilience when it mattered most, there are still cracks to be fixed if they want to go all the way in the postseason. 2nd. Munich Ravens 11-1 “Once again, Russell Tabor rose to the occasion and proved to be the man of the moment, finishing the game with 4 total touchdowns. Whether through the air or on the ground, he was unstoppable, constantly putting pressure on the opposing defense. But it wasn’t just about him, the whole team was buzzing, playing with confidence and intensity from start to finish. They came into this matchup with only one goal in mind: securing the win. And that’s exactly what they did. With this victory, they not only knocked out a direct rival but also guaranteed themselves a huge advantage, playing the semifinal in front of their home crowd, where the atmosphere promises to be electric. 3rd. Stuttgart Surge 10-2 Another game, another day, and once again Mr. Hennessey was simply electrifying. This time, it was all about the passing game, and he delivered in style. Throwing for 302 yards with 4 touchdowns against just 1 interception, he put the team on his shoulders and guided them straight into the Wild Card . It was a statement performance, the kind that reminds everyone why he’s been one of the standout players of the season. 4th. Nordic Storm 10-2 They’ve had their share of issues all season long, and while finishing 10–2 is still impressive, there will be no room for error once the playoffs begin. Their last outing was a frustrating defeat against the Fire , a real headache of a game, and one that once again exposed their struggles on the ground. Without Glenn Toonga , their running game has looked completely out of rhythm, leaving them one-dimensional and easier to predict. Now, the challenge is clear: they’ll have to find answers quickly, because destiny has them facing the Fire once again in the Wild Card . This time, there’s no margin for excuses, it’s win or go home 5th. Rhein Fire 8-4 The way they closed out the regular season couldn’t have looked any better. Beating the Nordic Storm was already a statement, but doing it just a week before meeting them again makes it even more significant. Momentum is on their side, and that victory gives them both confidence and swagger heading into the playoffs. With their championship streak on the line, they’ll enter this rematch as clear favorites, ready to prove once again why they’re built for these moments. 6th. Madrid Bravos 8-4 “Hey guys, could you send us a Sinnett jersey? Because ever since he dropped six touchdowns on the Galaxy , he’s been living rent-free in our heads. The man was a pure sniper out there, missing only three passes the entire game, seriously, what on earth is going on? This team, led by one of Europe’s standout freshmen, has quickly turned into one of the most frightening forces in the league. Now, all eyes are on them to see if they can carry that fire into Wild Card weekend against the Surge. 7th. Paris Musketeers 7-5 That was truly heartbreaking. They gave everything, soul, body, and spirit, in their fight against the Vikings , but it seems the football gods had other plans this year. We can only hope that Jack Del Rio will return for his contractual second year, as his presence could be the spark that motivates these brave players to come back stronger and give France what they’ve been striving for all season. 8th. Frankfurt Galaxy 6-6 They didn’t qualify this time, but it’s only a matter of time if Jameson Wang stays in Frankfurt . If he remains with the team and they can build on the impact he made in just half a season, there’s a real chance they could return to the greatness they once enjoyed at the beginning of the league. 9th. Raiders Tirol 6-6 “We knew it, with nothing left to fight for this season, the pressure was off, yet they still showed heart and determination against the Centurions . They closed this chapter on a high note, delivering a performance that their fans could truly appreciate and cheer for. It was a reminder that, even in a season without playoff stakes, this team never loses its spirit. Looking ahead, next year already seems full of promise. The potential return of Connor Miller could provide the leadership and spark they need to stage a serious comeback, and fans have every reason to dream of a team that not only competes but dominates once again. If they can build on the lessons from this season, there’s a real chance that the Centurions ’ defeat won’t just be a final note in the current season, but the starting point of something much bigger. 10th. Prague Lions 7-5 They finished 7–5, defying the odds, but it’s clear they aren’t quite at the same level as some of the previous 6–6 teams. The reality is that Prague isn’t one of Europe’s biggest markets, which can make building a powerhouse more challenging. Still, there’s reason for optimism. With smart management and a focus on strengthening the roster, they could emerge even stronger next season, and perhaps finally clinch a long-awaited playoff appearance. 11th. Wrocław Panthers 5-7 They did everything they could and stayed in the game right up until the end of the third quarter. But everything fell apart in the final period, and they couldn’t find a way to stop the Ravens from pulling away and taking a commanding lead on the scoreboard. It was a tough ending to a hard-fought effort, highlighting both their resilience and the gaps that still need to be addressed. 12th. Fehérvár Enthroners 1-11 Yes, they only won once, but every week they put up an incredible fight, leaving everything on the field to match their opponents. Sure, they didn’t win every game they might have hoped for, but what’s undeniable is their courage and determination. These fighters earned the respect of true fans of the game, and their grit and heart will not be forgotten. In a season where victories were rare, their spirit became the real triumph, a testament to the love of the game and the relentless will to compete. 13th. Hamburg Sea Devils 3-9 It started as a promising season, but then… everything became difficult. The truth is, there’s still room for improvement, and they showed glimpses of it in their performance against the Thunder . Yet, it’s hard to reconcile this struggle with their recent history, after being finalists in both 2021 and 2022, seeing them in such a tough spot is surprising. The foundation is there, though, and if they can address the gaps and regain their earlier form, they could once again challenge at the top. 14th. Berlin Thunder 3-9 They started strong, leading by two touchdowns, but after that, they fell behind and never managed to find a way back into the game. They’re not a bad team by any means, but it’s clear that changes need to be made, and quickly, if they want to compete at a higher level and avoid similar collapses in the future. 15th. Helvetic Mercenaries 0-12 Okay, they endured yet another crushing blowout, but through it all, they never gave up, battling fiercely from the first whistle to the very last snap. There’s no denying that changes are needed, both on and off the field, but one thing is absolutely clear: this team has heart, courage, and resilience in abundance. If they carry that spirit forward, next season starts today, and the future looks full of promise. 16th. Cologne Centurions They came with fewer than 30 players and still fought relentlessly until the very end. That kind of determination and grit is impossible not to respect, you simply can’t take them lightly.

While everyone is wondering which teams still have a shot at the playoffs, we turned to ELFpedia.eu for some clarity, using math, not guesswork. ELF Pedia is a data-driven platform that provides valuable insights and up-to-date resources like current rosters, standings, and stats, which we often rely on for our coverage. Here’s how they broke down the playoff odds and who’s still in the race… and who’s not: “We applied a probabilistic forecasting model using one million Monte Carlo simulations of the remaining ELF season schedule. Game outcomes were weighted according to team Elo ratings , generating realistic win probabilities for each matchup. Final standings were computed using official ELF tiebreaker rules (Wins → Strength of Victory → Strength of Schedule → Point Differential → Points For). This approach produces a robust statistical estimate of playoff odds and seeding likelihoods, accounting for schedule variance, competitive balance, and potential multi-team tiebreak scenarios” We wanted to let you read that explanation written by Oli  because he puts his whole heart into the whole “ELF Pedia” project. And we want to address him a special thanks for what he gives to the community. Before we get things start : here are all the Tie-Breakers: Number of wins Win Percentage within Division Head-to-head matchup Strength of Victory (SOV) Strength of Schedule (SOS) Points difference in head-to-head matchups Points scored at away games of head-to-head matchups Total point difference * Total points scored Points scored at away games Coin toss performed by the Commissioner or a person determined by the Commissioner Let’s begin with what we can already affirm. 4 teams are already 100% in: the Vienna Vikings , the Munich Ravens , the Nordic Storm and the Stuttgart Surge . It’s harder to define who will be first and second seed, which are the two important seeds for the fans, as these two are the ones that play the semi-final at home. The Vienna Vikings: Ideal Situation for the Austrians? With two wins in their last two games (against the Panthers and the Musketeers ), the Vikings will finish with an 11-1 record and automatically clinch first place in the regular season, without depending on any other results. If they lose a game and the Ravens or Storm also finish 10-2, they risk losing first place in the tiebreaker. They are currently the only team that possess his destiny in his hands. The Munich Ravens:   Best odds for the Bavarians! To finish first, they must: Win their last two games ( Bravos and Panthers ) to get up to 11-1. But, they’ll have to hope for at least one Vikings loss. This would create a 11-1 tie, with the Ravens having the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Vikings . In the event of a three-way tie ( Ravens , Vikings , Storm at 10-2): It will depend on head-to-head results and point average. The Ravens will need to have beaten the other two or be favored by other tiebreaker criterias. The Nordic Storm: High hopes but still… To clinch  the first seed, they’ll have to win their last two games ( SeaDevils and Rhein Fire ), they would be 11-1. But still, they’ll have to hope that the Vikings and Ravens each lose at least one game. This could create a 11-1 tie, in which case the Storm could prevail if the tiebreakers are in their favor. Even with two wins, their fate is not in their own hands. They are dependent on the results of other teams. The Stuttgart Surge: Give them a miracle!  It’s not impossible but let’s be real, odds are not on their side… So, first step, win their last two games ( Centurions and Enthroners ), this would give them a 10-2 record. But, The Vikings , Ravens , and Storm have to all lose their last two games, so that no one exceeds 9 wins. This would result in a 9-3 tie, where the Surge could emerge first according to the tiebreakers. As we said: Very low probability: only a 0.31% chance of finishing first according to ELF Pedia’s simulations. THE RACE TO GET IN: Now, let’s focus on the two last seeds that the playoff provides, the fifth and the sixth . They will be awarded to the two best remaining teams, across all divisions, excluding the division winners. So, to simplify, the two best seconds in the whole league access the post season. Here is a complete point total for each team still in contention. The Madrid Bravos: With a 38.19% chance of securing seed 5 and a 23.56% chance of securing seed 6, the Madrid Bravos are currently best placed in the race for the last two playoff spots. According to simulations, they have approximately a 61.75% chance of qualifying. However, their fate is not completely sealed. They have two games left to play: against the Munich Ravens , leaders of the division, and then against the Frankfurt Galaxy , who are also in the playoff hunt. A single win would probably be enough to secure their place in the postseason. A final record of 8-4 would put them firmly in the group of contenders for the top 6, with a positive differential and a favorable division ranking. On the other hand, two losses would drop them to 7-5, exposing them to a logjam of teams tied for the same record. In that case, their qualification would depend on the results of Paris , Wrocław , and Prague , and on possible tiebreakers, where the slightest mistake could prove costly. The Rhein Fire: A crucial final sprint: The team has approximately a 58.62% chance of qualifying, split between 28.57% for seed 5 and 30.05% for seed 6. The mission is clear: win. The Fire will face two direct opponents to conclude the season: the Paris Musketeers and the Nordic Storm , both contenders for the top 4. With two wins, the Fire would finish 8-4 and be almost assured of qualifying. With just one win (7-5), things would get complicated, but their conference record (4-1) and good point average (+116) could work in their favor. On the other hand, two losses would most likely eliminate them. The Paris Musketeers: Under pressure, but still in control: With approximately a 37.24% chance of qualifying (16.33% for seed 5, 20.91% for seed 6), the Musketeers don't have a huge margin, but their fate remains largely in their own hands. Their schedule is daunting: Rhein Fire , then Vienna Vikings , the two best teams in the North and East. If they manage to win both games, their qualification would be almost certain (8-4). A single victory would bring them to 7-5, which could be enough depending on the results of other teams, notably Madrid , Wrocław , and Frankfurt . But a 6-6 finish to the season would put them in serious danger. They could then be overtaken by several rivals ranked higher in the conference or on point average. The Prague Lions: Still alive, but without a safety net. The Prague Lions have two games left to play if they hope to make the playoffs. Currently at 6-4, they have about a 25.43% chance of qualifying (10.76% for seed 5, 14.67% for seed 6). To stay in the race, the Lions will need to win their last two games (vs. Vienna Vikings and Panthers Wrocław ). An 8-4 record would give them a real chance, especially if they beat a direct competitor like Wrocław in the final game. If they win only one game (7-5), their fate will depend heavily on the performances of Paris , Madrid , Frankfurt , and Wrocław , with a possible tie between several teams. In this case, their +67 differential and conference record (3-3) could play a role. In the event of two losses (6-6), their hopes of qualifying would vanish. The Frankfurt Galaxy: There is no room for error With only a 16.23% chance of qualifying (6.13% seed 5, 10.10% seed 6), the Frankfurt Galaxy cannot afford to lose. They must win their last two games to reach a 7-5 record. This scenario could keep them in contention, provided that Paris or Madrid (or both) falter in the final stretch. With a balanced conference record (3-3) and a modest point average (+24), the Galaxy will need a good tiebreaker or a combination of circumstances to cross the line. The Raiders Tirol: More statistical hope than sporting hope The Raiders are virtually eliminated. With only a 0.72% chance of qualifying (0.01% seed 5, 0.71% seed 6), it would take a perfect alignment of the planets to see them in the playoffs. Not only do they need to win their last two games to finish at 7-5, but they also need to hope that several direct competitors collapse: notably Paris , Frankfurt , and one of Madrid , Wrocław , or Prague . Even then, there is no guarantee that the tiebreakers would go their way. A very unlikely outcome, but mathematically still possible. As the regular season draws to a close, the battle for the final playoff spots promises to be thrilling. While Madrid and the Rhein Fire have a head start, nothing is guaranteed yet, and a single defeat could shake things up. Paris , Prague , Frankfurt , and even the Raiders still have a slim chance, but they will need to combine must-win victories with their opponents' missteps. Between head-to-head matchups, potential ties, and complex tiebreakers, every detail will matter. Point average, conference record, and results against the same opponents may be the silent arbiters of this season's outcome. The next two weeks will therefore be crucial, and every game will have decisive implications. Like the 2025 season, the race for the playoffs will be decided on the last drive.

The playoff race is now well underway, with several compelling games already in the books. Which teams have climbed the standings, and which have lost ground? Here’s a closer look.  Every next game is mentioned as “next-week” but obviously it’s after the league-around bye-week. 1. Vienna Vikings Who can stop BenVP ? Week after week, they continue to impose their dominance and now stand out as the most serious contender in the league. Already assured of the No. 1 seed, they have combined a relentless offense with a rock-solid defense, making them the benchmark for every other team. Their next challenge will be crucial: facing the Panthers next week, they will be looking not only to maintain their unbeaten run but also to cement what could become a truly historic season. 2. Stuttgart Surge Even without Reilly Hennessey on the field, the offense didn’t miss a beat. Young homegrown quarterback Lars Heidrich , recently re-signed by the team, stepped up with an impressive performance, throwing for three touchdowns, one interception, and completing 66% of his passes. The entire unit was firing on all cylinders, showing remarkable cohesion on both sides of the ball. Next week’s matchup against the Centurions will offer Heidrich another prime opportunity to solidify his rhythm and confidence before heading into the playoffs, where his role could prove decisive. 3. Munich Ravens "They didn’t win in dominant fashion, but once again they showed consistency week after week. Tabor continues to prove to everyone that he is a true European standout, leading a well-structured team that seems built for the postseason. With several offensive weapons at their disposal and a defense that rarely cracks, they are shaping up to be a serious playoff threat. Next week’s clash with the Bravos will be the real test: can they overcome another all-around strong opponent and cement their contender status? All eyes will be on that matchup. 4. Nordic Storm This was the  big disappointment of the week. Everything seemed to unravel, and quarterback Jadrian Clark was noticeably off his game, a struggle we had already caught glimpses of back in Weeks 8 and 9. To be clear, this team is by no means weak, but their relatively soft schedule as a first-year franchise may have masked some of their flaws. Those vulnerabilities are now starting to show. One thing is certain: they will have those recent disappointing performances in mind next week when they meet the Sea Devils again, a crucial matchup in their bid to reclaim the No. 2 seed. 5. Paris Musketeers They finally broke the curse, and in spectacular fashion. Scoring an astonishing 60 points in the first half, they seized control of the game early and even gave every newcomer and so-called 'bench-warmer' defensive snaps in the second half. However, the offense showed signs of stalling late in the game, a concerning trend they will want to correct before the playoffs when clutch playmakers will be needed most. Next week, they host the Mercenaries , a key opportunity to build momentum ahead of their much-anticipated revenge game in Austria . 6. Madrid Bravos Reid Sinnett has firmly established himself as another serious MVP contender. Throwing five touchdown passes without a single interception, he delivered a performance that was nothing short of dominant. But he wasn’t the only standout, Seelig and Cruickshank were equally impressive, underlining the team’s overall strength. They controlled every quarter of the game, a level of consistency that becomes essential at this stage of the season. As the playoffs approach, it will be fascinating to see how far this team can go. Next week’s matchup against the Ravens will be a key indicator of whether they can sustain this form. 7. Rhein Fire We weren’t sure it was even possible to score five touchdowns in a single quarter,  but now we know. Jeffries put on an absolute clinic, throwing eight touchdowns in total and missing only two pass attempts all game. It was a display of near-perfect efficiency and commanding leadership that left little doubt about his ability to take over a game. Next week, they’ll face the Raiders with the opportunity to clinch a playoff berth, and all eyes will be on Jeffries to see if he can replicate this extraordinary performance. 8. Prague Lions They’ve been impressive the whole season, though not always for the right reasons. This time, however, they managed to dominate their opponent the right way. As the saying goes, a win is a win, even against a weaker team. That said, the real test lies ahead next week when they go head-to-head with the Galaxy , a matchup that will truly reveal where they stand. 9. Raiders Tirol This has been a fairly average, or ‘mid’, season by their standards. While they’ve shown flashes of potential, especially with a notable win over the Bravos in Week 5, consistency has been an issue. They've struggled to find their rhythm against stronger opponents, often falling short in key moments. However, there’s still a path to a positive finish. With two crucial games remaining against the Rhein Fire and the Centurions , they have the opportunity to turn things around and close out the regular season with a respectable 7-5 record. It won’t be easy, but the talent is there, now it’s a matter of execution and resilience down the stretch. 10. Frankfurt Galaxy What a statement win against the previously "unbeatable" Nordic Storm ! In a game where they left no doubt, the team capitalized on nearly every defensive turnover,  and when it wasn’t a pick-six, the offense made sure to finish the job. Toby Naylor was nothing short of spectacular, putting on a defensive masterclass with 2 interceptions, 3 passes defended, and 4 tackles. Without question, he was the standout player on the field. Despite the odds, there's still a path, however narrow,  to the playoffs. Currently sitting at 17% playoff probability, they'll need a miracle finish to punch their ticket. Here's what needs to happen: Win both remaining games against the Lions and the Bravos Hope the Bravos lose twice, against the Ravens and the Galaxy Rhein Fire must drop one game, either to the Raiders or the Nordic Storm Win tie-breakers against both the Raiders and the Lions It’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened in football. This could be the most thrilling season finale for purple-clad fans across Europe, buckle up. 11. Wrocław Panthers They didn’t play poorly against the Munich Ravens , but the gap between the two organizations was hard to ignore. There were moments of promise, but overall, the Ravens simply looked more polished, more consistent, and more dangerous. What’s concerning now is what’s coming next: a matchup against the Vienna Vikings . Facing back-to-back title contenders is never easy, and the pressure is mounting. Still, there’s a glimmer of hope. The Frankfurt Galaxy already proved that the Vikings can  be beaten. Now it’s up to them to rise to the challenge and pull off a similar upset. 12. Berlin Thunder It’s a shame they couldn’t replicate the magic from their performance against the Nordic Storm . Quarterback Sullivan was efficient on paper, missing only a handful of passes, but something was clearly off, the chemistry with his receiving corps just wasn’t there. He finished the game with barely 100 passing yards, a stat that reflects the offense’s overall stagnation. On the other side of the ball, the defense had trouble all game long. They struggled to contain impact players like Kwofie , who repeatedly found ways to break through and shift momentum. Fortunately, the upcoming matchup against Fehérvár should offer more breathing room. It’s a chance for the offense to get back on track, put points on the board, and for the team as a whole to build some much-needed confidence heading into the final stretch. 13. Hamburg Sea Devils Tough day to be a Sea Devils fan, wasn’t it? At times, it felt more like one of those NFL "Mascots vs U10" charity games, and unfortunately, the Sea Devils looked like the U10 team. Outmatched, outpaced, and overwhelmed. Still, all hope isn’t lost. Maybe, just maybe, they can find a way to upset the Nordic Storm . It’ll take more than just execution, they’ll need to get inside the Storm ’s heads, disrupt their rhythm, and play with fearless energy. If they can do that? Well, then nothing’s impossible. 14. Fehérvár Enthroners This was a loss everyone saw coming, and it happened. No real surprise there, given it was against the Vienna Vikings . It’s never ideal to drop a game, but losing to a championship-caliber team isn’t exactly cause for panic. That said, things won’t get any easier from here. After next week’s matchup against the Thunder , they’ll face the red-hot Stuttgart Surge , and that’s a whole different level of challenge. The road ahead is rough, and if they want to stay in the race, they’ll need to elevate their game quickly. 15. Helvetic Mercenaries Another week, another struggle to keep things together on the field. They held their own in a hard-fought first quarter, showing resilience and answering the early pressure. But as soon as the momentum started to shift, everything unraveled, fast. Execution, confidence, and composure all seemed to vanish as the game wore on. And now? They’re heading straight into what promises to be a Swissian purgatory  next week against the Musketeers . If things don’t change quickly, it could be a long and painful outing. 16. Cologne Centurions Not too bad, if you ignore the fact that they only really showed up in the fourth quarter. By the time they started to fight back, the game was already three quarters gone. Sure, they showed some heart late, but let’s be honest: it’s the same story every week. Slow starts, missed opportunities, and the same recurring issues that never seem to get fixed. And here’s the uncomfortable truth, if things keep heading in this direction, there’s a real chance this team won’t even be around next season. It’s harsh, but the writing’s starting to show on the wall.

A Game-Changing Kick-off: The UK’s New 5v5 American Football Tournament Set to Launch  In 2025, American football in the UK is set for a seismic shake-up with the arrival of new 5 aside contact tournament — an electrifying new 5v5 format designed to deliver fast-paced, high-energy action for players and fans. The concept? A one-day tournament featuring 8 teams battling it out, with the winners walking away with a cool £2,000 cash prize. The name of this new Tournament? Elite 5s .  Elite 5s is the brainchild of three Britballers who first crossed paths at U19s regionals whilst coaching for the Southern Kings team: Jord Metcalf (London Warriors), Josh Proud (Thinking Football Youtube + London Warriors), and Will Sparke (Hertfordshire Cheetahs). Their mission? To get the best athletes available on field to duke it out for the grand prize.  By reimagining the traditional 11-a-side game and taking cues from the lesser-known U16s 5v5 format in the UK, Elite 5s promises to inject a fresh wave of excitement into the British American football scene. Reaching out to Jord for comment on why this event and format, he had the following to say. “There’s a lot of reasons we’ve decided to pursue this. From my own experience since starting with this sport in 2013 I’ve seen more blowouts than I care to recall, I’ve seen excellent players never have a shot at glory due to their distance from whichever “super team” is the clear-cut winner that season and I’ve seen a heap of the best players never step outside BUCS, the NFL Academy or spend their entire time in Europe before hanging it up.  Having been a part of the national program and spent time coaching the U19 regionals, I’ve seen pockets of talent in some of the places you’d least expect and, in this format, where we’ve removed any affiliation to existing BAFA senior sides and ensured anyone can be registered and insured to a brand new team for a single day, I think we’ve removed the barriers to enable some really competitive football. I’m not counting my chickens yet, but it looks like we’re going to see some really fun matchups between BUCS scholars, Eu imports and BAFA Seniors finest as well as some awesome hybrid teams of old teammates who get a chance to play together again.”   What is 5 vs 5: Redefining the game If you’ve been to a U16s tournament in recent years, you already know the kind of fast, chaotic brilliance this format brings. But if you haven’t — here’s what to expect. The 5v5 American football format is a condensed, high-octane version of the sport, designed to prioritise speed, strategy, and accessibility. Inspired by small-sided formats like Flag and Arena Football, the rules keep games fast, competitive, and fan-friendly. Here’s how it works — and why it’s different: Bigger Plays, Bigger Scores E5  is five-a-side football — but forget the strictly defined positions you're used to. The biggest change? Every offensive lineman is an eligible receiver, including the centre. A big man rumbling downfield with the ball isn’t a fluke — it’s a core part of a dynamic, well-run offence. Fast-Paced is an Understatement Games feature two 15-minute halves with a running clock (stopping only in the final two minutes of each half). The field? A compact 60 yards by 35 yards. Teams start on their own 5-yard line, with 4 downs to reach midfield — and another 4 downs to score. Win with Your Arm Quarterbacks aren’t allowed to cross the line of scrimmage unless they’ve handed the ball off. Expect wild scrambles, quick decisions, and big-time throws — this format forces QBs to win the game through the air. No Special Teams It’s exactly what it sounds like — no kicks, no punts, no returns. Turn the ball over via a pick or fumble? The other team starts from where the play ended. Turn it over on downs? They take over at their own 5-yard line. Run the Ball — Until You Can’t 5-a-side football comes with quirks — like the No Run Zone . Once you’re within 5 yards of the endzone, it’s passing plays only. Managing your drives with that in mind? That’s where coaching and strategy come into play. Expect Touchdowns… Lots of Them Scoring follows standard rules — 6 points for a touchdown. But after that, you’ve got options: Go for 1 point  from the 5-yard line (edge of the No Run Zone) Go for 2 points  from the 10-yard line Flexibility is King (or Queen) With rosters capped at 16 players, squad-building becomes tactical. Stack your team with speed? Bulk up with power? Find hybrids who can do it all? The choice is yours. Elite 5s  follows BAFA’s Open Championship model — ensuring there’s a role for everyone. The first tournament hits the field the weekend of 20th–21st September , right after Britbowl and European finals, giving players across the nation time to rally their rosters. Registration details drop in the coming weeks — stay tuned at Elite 5s .

The amazing Austrian Football League just wrapped up with an exciting final and if you managed to miss such a nerve-wracking game, here is everything that you need to know. THE FIRST QUARTER The quarter started out quiet with no points scored for each team, until the Vikings defence started slipping. The first Touchdown was made by the Danube Dragons runningback Lukas Schlemm and after a successful PAT the Dragons were up 7-0. with 10 seconds left of the first quarter, Devin James Childress , a wide receiver of the Dragons managed to score another touchdown and at the end of the quarter the score was 14-0 for the Danube Dragons . THE SECOND QUARTER Fabian Eder , a Vienna Vikings wide receiver took the first quarter personally. 10 seconds before the quarter ended, he scored probably the most interesting touchdown of the season. He was almost tackled right in front of the endzone, but managed to roll over the DB without touching the floor and stick the landing for six points. After a successful PAT the Dragons ‘ lead was halved and the score was 14-7. THE THIRD QUARTER This is when things got heated. Eder was riding high off his success in the first half and was determined to continue performing in the second half. He scored another touchdown only seven minutes into the first half and after a fortunate PAT from Kevin Voznyak the Vienna Vikings and Danube Dragons were tied 14-14. Desperate to stay in the lead, the Dragons scored a field goal but their 3-point lead didn’t last long. 5 minutes later Eder scored another touchdown and the PAT was once again triumphant. The third quarter ended with a score of 17-21. THE FINAL QUARTER The Danube Dragons were furious. They were only one touchdown away from being in the lead again. Even if they didn’t score a PAT. But the Vikings defence didn’t give them any chance. With two minutes left in the game the Vienna Vikings were in possession of the ball and that’s when the newly recruited quarterback, Russel Minor Shaw , decided to show just why he was here to stay and scored an amazing 36-yard rushing touchdown. The game ended with a score of 17-27. The victory in the 30th Austrian Bowl gave the Vienna Vikings the 15th of its kind. The last time they were Austrian champions was in 2020. Congratulations to the Vienna Vikings on their victory!

We are back. After the BAFA Coaching Convention gave us a week without any Britball fixtures, the penultimate round of Premiership fixtures were played this week, and our four playoff teams are now confirmed - so let’s jump straight into it. #1 London Warriors An image of ruthless consistency, the Warriors  are on track to hold this #1 spot for the entire 2025 season. By now I’ve lost count of how many consecutive Prem South titles the Warriors  have taken home, but with this week’s 24-13 road victory over the #5 London Blitz  has taken them to 9-0 and secured another one; they will either host the #3 Manchester Titans or the #4 Coventry Phoenix  in the first round of the playoffs, where they simply have to be the favourite to bring home another National Title. But first, they have their unbeaten record on the line as they travel to Bristol to face the #2 Bristol Aztecs  on the final day of the regular season. The last time these two sides met, Bristol were in control of the majority of the game, until the Warriors offense rallied in the 4th quarter (lead by QB Dee Williams and OC Ian Carpenter) to complete an impressive comeback victory. The only question is whether the Warriors  will prioritise protecting their impressive 2-year unbeaten run, or whether they could rest key starters to prioritise their contention for back-to-back Britbowl victories. #2 Bristol Aztecs Many people’s preseason Britbowl favourites, the Aztecs  have secured the 2nd seed in the Prem South and will travel to face the Prem North Champions in the playoff semi-final. Thanks to tight losses to both the Warriors and Blitz respectively, Bristol  now sit at 7-2 and although that puts them out of contention for the 1st seed, they will no doubt feel that their record doesn’t reflect how good they’ve been this year, and will be looking to cause an upset in the postseason.  But before that, they do have another opportunity to rock the boat as they host the Warriors ; it may not have the playoff implications that many (including myself) assumed it would, but it would be the perfect opportunity at home for Bristol  to spoil their division rival’s unbeaten run, and potentially swing the momentum in their favour going into the playoffs. #3 Manchester Titans There is only one Prem team who has a better defensive record than the Warriors , and it’s the Titans.  Only conceding 3.42 points per game (4.0 if you want to get particular about a walkover skewing the stats) as opposed to the Prem South Champions’ similarly impressive 5.44, it is clear that the 2025 Titans’ defense will cause a matchup nightmare for any team who they come across. Their offense, on the other hand, has been inconsistent at best - held to 12 points this weekend by the #6 East Kilbride Pirates , it is the 3rd time this season that their offense has been held to fewer than 20 points. It is really clear that the Titans’ ability to bring home another National Title rest squarely with the ability of their defense to remain dominant against a quality of offense that they simply haven’t encountered this year in the Prem North. They are currently in control of the 1st seed in the North, which would have them hosting the Bristol Aztecs  in the semi-final - but thanks to a 9-7 loss in their season opener, the final day of the season is where the Prem North will be decided as we get the long-awaited winner takes all rematch between the Titans and the #4 Coventry Phoenix . #4 Coventry Phoenix (+1) There is something to be said for the overwhelming dominance of certain teams at the Premiership level, when a Phoenix team sitting at 5-1-1, who have conceded more than 20 points in a game on only one occasion this year, and can still clinch the 1st seed in the North, are widely seen as the odd-team-out in this year’s playoff picture. While statistics may back this up at face value, Coventry’s  silent strength this year has been in the quality of their preparation and their on-field resilience; even when they had a midseason QB change, every game they have played this year has played out more like a chess match than a football game, and while it may not have been pretty to watch at times, the coaches and analysts amongst us (I don’t talk about myself very often in these rankings, let me have one) have thoroughly enjoyed watching them play. However, if they are to mount a serious title challenge this postseason, they will simply need to find a way to put more points on the board - as much as I enjoyed watching their 10-6 victory over the #8 Nottingham Caesars  this week (streamed live by our friends over at Depth Chart Sports ), that offensive performance simply won’t be enough against either the Warriors or the Aztecs . #5 London Blitz (-1) After going 3-7 last season, it feels odd saying that a winning season this year will leave a sour taste in the mouth of Blitz players and coaches - but considering how long they were in control of their own playoff berth, missing out will hurt. Having scored just under 30 points per game (29.33) their offense has been incredibly impressive, but they are clearly a rapidly ascending team in all aspects of the game. If this is the level of growth in just one year, I am very excited to watch the Blitz  in 2026. Up next, they have a trip to Cambridgeshire to face the #9 Cats  team who have potentially just secured their own safety from relegation. The last time these sides met, the Blitz emerged 42-0 winners, and they will hope for a similar result here, so that their final memory of an otherwise stellar 2025 season does not have to be the two consecutive defeats by their cross-city rivals. #6 East Kilbride Pirates Thanks to the odd number of teams in the Prem North, the Pirates are actually the first team to complete their 2025 campaign. Finishing with a record of 4-3-1 (0.562), they have had a very mixed season. Showcasing a mix of young and established talent, EKP are clearly a team building towards longer-term sustained contention, but they highlighted the main issue of being a Scottish team in the Prem North. With a minimum away-day drive of around 4 hours next year (thanks to the automatic relegation of   the #11   Newcastle Vikings ), it is hard to see how they’ll build on a season where they only won once south of the border. They are, however, a team who has responded to controversy exceptionally well this year, including but not limited to an enforced QB change in game 1, when Logan Gallacher came in to replace the injured Reece Aris , speaking for both the quality of the team’s coaching, and the strength and depth of their roster. I am very excited to see what’s next for the Pirates . #7 Rushmoor Knights Speaking of teams on the rise - in their first year back in the Premiership, the Knights  may not have set the Prem South alight, but they have definitely shown enough to make me believe that they could be around for the long-run. With one of the youngest squads in the division, a growing number of players capped for GB, and one of the nation’s strongest academy setups, it is easy to see where the future of the team is. Yes, this week's demolition at the hands of the Aztecs  is just one of several heavy defeats that they've suffered this year when facing the top teams in the division, and is why they are where they are in this ranking. However, I honestly believe that the lessons learned from this season could prove to be a fundamental part of this team's long term success. Their final game of 2025 takes them on the road to visit a #10 Hertfordshire Cheetahs side who they have already beaten this year, but who will be playing to avoid the dreaded relegation/promotion playoff. It promises to be an entertaining one. #8 Nottingham Caesars On paper, the Caesars  have everything they could possibly need to succeed at this level, and yet they find themselves 1-6, and somewhat lucky to be surviving. That being said, it has not been as black and white as their record makes it appear. They have only been on the wrong end of a shut out on one occasion this season, and similarly, have only conceded more than 30 points once. Clearly an excellently coached side, especially on the defensive side of the ball, a good amount of the Caesars’ current record can be safely chalked up to experience playing at this level, and a hefty amount of bad luck. This week’s tight 10-6 loss to the Phoenix feels emblematic of their entire 2025 campaign: doing an excellent job to keep a game tight, and still finding themselves narrowly on the wrong side of the scoreline. The final game of the season takes them on the road to face a #11   Newcastle Vikings team who may have already been relegated, but will be desperate to finish their season on a positive note with a win, and so looks like a game that could go either way. #9 Cambridgeshire Cats Well they did it. This week the Cats had one goal: beat the  Cheetahs  by more than 2 points and take the relegation battle to the final week, and with a 19-9 victory at home, they did just that. An inspired team performance, it was clear that every player and coach knew what was on the line, and they more than delivered. They are now theoretically in control of their own fate - however - if they were to lose to the Blitz  on the final day, and the Cheetahs  were to beat the Knights , they could still find themselves headed for the dreaded relegation/promotion playoff. #10 Hertfordshire Cheetahs After a narrow home victory against the Cats  last month, the Cheetahs appeared to be completely in control of their own survival. Struggling with injuries all year, they’ve lost every game since, and this week’s result has officially taken it out of their control. However, I’m not sure whether I’d prefer to be in the Cats’ position or theirs. On one hand, if the Cheetahs are to survive the relegation/promotion playoff, they need to beat the Knights at home (a team they only lost 14-9 to in the away fixture), and hope that the Cats don’t get any sort of result - on the other hand, the game that the Cats need to get a positive result from is unfortunately against a Blitz  side who won the reverse fixture 42-0 back in April. So although they are mathematically out of control, I believe that the Cheetahs  still have a very good chance to avoid the relegation/promotion playoff. #11 Newcastle Vikings Unfortunately, nothing can save the Vikings from relegation this year as, by rule, their forfeited fixture both supersedes and nullifies the relegation/promotion playoff game in the North. However, as the only Prem team to not play this week, the Vikings sit at 1-6 and will be looking to finish their disastrous season on a positive note against the Caesars  on the final day. The last time these two sides met, it was the Vikings who went on the road and escaped with a 10-6 victory, and while a similar result won’t change anything in terms of their immediate fate, it would go a long way to raising morale ahead of the offseason and next year’s campaign in a very competitive Division 1 North.

Another amazing week of action across European football fields has come to a conclusion. Some teams are charging full speed ahead, while others have seen their dreams come to an early end. Is your team still in the running, or have they already been shown the door? Let’s break it all down together and take a closer look at who’s rising, who’s falling, and what it means for the road ahead. 1st. Vienna Vikings Another dominant showing from the Austrian squads, further cementing their status as the clear favorites for this year’s title. They now sit comfortably as the virtual first seed and look poised to stay on top, with favorable matchups ahead. Next week, they’ll take on the Enthroners , followed by a rematch with the Panthers after the global bye week. Their most significant test will likely come in the final week of the regular season, when they face a fired-up Musketeers squad hungry for revenge. Until then, the road seems smooth, if they can maintain their momentum, Austria may well run the table. 2nd. Nordic Storm There’s no doubt about it, the Storm are currently the second most impactful team in the league. However, this week raised a few eyebrows, as they seemed to struggle at times to contain the Thunder ’s offense. While the final score heavily favored the Storm , the first half told a different story: tied at 20 heading into the break, they had a hard time creating separation early on. Now officially qualified for the playoffs, the Storm have their sights set on the top seed. To get there, they’ll need to overcome a tough stretch ahead, starting with the Galaxy next week, followed by matchups against the Sea Devils and the Fire . 3rd. Stuttgart Surge What a statement win, the lime-clad squad got their sweet revenge against the Musketeers and are now virtually locked into a playoff spot. They shut down the Parisian offense from start to finish, applying constant pressure and giving them no time to breathe on either side of the ball. While quarterback Reilly Hennessey didn’t throw a touchdown, he was undeniably the engine behind the victory, orchestrating drives and keeping the offense moving all game long.  With qualification nearly in hand, the end of the regular season promises to be electric. They’ll now face the Sea Devils in a crucial matchup, before closing out against the Centurions and the Enthroners , three games that could define their postseason path. 4th. Munich Ravens It wasn’t their sharpest performance, as early turnovers disrupted any sense of offensive rhythm. Still, flashes of brilliance emerged, none brighter than a perfectly executed Philly Special  that saw Tabor find the end zone. Yet, the first half was largely tilted against them, with costly mistakes keeping them on the back foot. In a game shaped by heavy rain, the air attack was grounded, shifting the battle to the trenches. The run game became the deciding factor, and they leaned into it. They clawed their way back into contention, tying things up with six minutes to play, then delivered a textbook defensive stand. With just 1:40 left on the clock, they powered in a tush-push  to take the lead. The final defensive play was nothing short of cinematic, Schlabitz launched himself like Superman to put the game on ice and secure the win. Now virtually in the playoff picture, they’ll need to keep their momentum if they want to give their fans a first-round home game. That road runs through two upcoming clashes with the Panthers , next week and in Week 14, and, most critically, a high-stakes showdown with the Bravos in Week 13. 5th. Paris Musketeers Now riding a two-game losing streak, the team once viewed as undisputed title contenders suddenly finds itself at risk of missing the playoffs altogether. This week felt like a flashback to Henderson ’s early days in Paris , under relentless pressure, with his offensive line collapsing on nearly every snap. Forced to carry the offense on his back, Henderson ended up running for more yards than both of his running backs combined. Defensively, it wasn’t a collapse, but the usual consistency simply wasn’t there. Missed opportunities and lapses in execution proved costly once again. To keep their postseason hopes alive, they’ll need to win out, and hope other results fall their way. It’s a steep hill to climb, but make no mistake: the Centurions , Mercenaries , and Vikings better be ready. Paris is coming with a mission, and they’re hungry. 6th. Rhein Fire Yes, they got the win, and Chad Jeffries certainly had himself a day. But despite the result, it’s hard to place them in the same tier as teams like the Musketeers . The slow start was concerning, especially considering the level of opposition, let’s not forget, they were facing one of the weakest teams in the league. Still, the road ahead gives them a chance to shift the narrative. It starts next week against the Thunder , followed by a key clash with the Raiders , which could help them build momentum heading into their toughest challenge yet: trying to take down the seemingly unbeatable Nordic Storm . As it stands, they’re hanging onto the sixth and final playoff spot. But with the strength of their remaining schedule, slipping out of contention is a very real possibility. 7th. Madrid Bravos Pure domination. From start to finish, they imposed their rhythm, consistently reaching the end zone thanks to a powerful and relentless rushing attack. Quarterback Reid Sinnett was on fire, racking up five total touchdowns in a statement performance. Now sitting at 6–3, they currently hold the 4th seed and are virtually locked into a Wild Card Weekend appearance. But nothing is set in stone, with upcoming matchups against the Raiders , Ravens , and Galaxy , they still have room to climb… or slip. The stage is set. Let’s see which way they go. 8th. Raiders Tirol They fell just short, and now, the road to the playoffs has become incredibly steep. Hope isn’t gone, but from here on out, it's a long shot. To keep their postseason dreams alive, they’ll need to run the table against three tough opponents: the Bravos , the Fire , and the Centurions . What’s more, they no longer control their own destiny. Even with three wins, they'll need help from elsewhere in the standings. The margin for error? Zero. The fight? Still on. 9th. Prague Lions They faced the Enthroners in what was arguably one of the dullest games of the season, but a win is a win. Despite the lackluster performance, they avoided the trap and came away with the result that mattered most. Looking ahead, they’ll face the Mercenaries twice, next week and in Week 14, with a showdown against the Galaxy sandwiched in between. Finishing the regular season at 8–4 or 7–5 remains within reach, which wouldn’t be a bad outcome at all considering how quietly they started the year. It may not always be flashy, but they're still very much in the race. 10th. Wrocław Panthers It wasn’t a terrible showing against the Vikings , but it might have been the game that cost them a shot at the playoffs. While they remained competitive, the loss adds serious weight to their already uphill battle for postseason contention. They’ve got three games left on the schedule: a double clash with the Ravens and one final rematch with the Vikings . Based on current form, they’re projected to finish the season at 5–7, respectable, but likely not enough to sneak into the playoff picture. A tough road ahead, and the margin for error is now razor-thin. 11th. Frankfurt Galaxy As expected, it was a one-sided affair against the Centurions , a complete no-contest. They exploded in the second quarter alone with seven touchdowns, which might just be a new ELF record. While their own playoff hopes are slim to none, their remaining matchups, against the Storm , the Lions , and the Bravos , give them a real opportunity to shake things up. They may not make it to the postseason, but they could play a major role in deciding who does. 12th. Berlin Thunder They fought and they fought pretty well against a no-room-for-mistakes team. Jakeb Sullivan and the whole team tried everything and probably that against any other team this should have been enough to win. Their last real huge matchup is against the Fire next week, after what it shouldn’t be that hard to finish strong against the Enthroners and the Sea Devils . 13th. Hamburg SeaDevils This game perfectly reflected the team’s season so far, solid but nothing spectacular, with flashes of brilliance early on. Looking ahead, they face tough challenges against the Surge , the Nordic Storm , and the Thunder . These battles will be a true test of their progress. Regardless of the outcome, it’s a great opportunity to build momentum and lay a strong foundation for next season. 14th. Fehérvár Enthroners They’ve been close to winning on several occasions this season, but not this week. New quarterback Pullman ? Well… he was there , let’s put it that way. On a brighter note, this team is definitely not the worst in the league. Against the Mercenaries or the Centurions , they’d probably win by at least two touchdowns. Unfortunately, the schedule isn’t doing them any favors, they’ll have to close out the season against the Vikings , the Thunder , and the Surge . A tough stretch ahead, but at the very least, they’ve still got some fight left in them. 15th. Helvetic Mercenaries Well… at this point, their best-case scenario is that the Lions forget how to play football, twice. That’s pretty much the level of hope we’re working with here. As for their matchup against the Musketeers ? It already feels like a loss in their heads, which, let’s be honest, isn’t the mindset of a team gearing up for a miracle run. Who knows, maybe they’ll surprise us. Or maybe they’ll just show up and hope the other team doesn’t. Either way, it’s getting bleak. 16th. Cologne Centurions Musketeers , Surge , and Raiders . The three apocalyptic horsemen galloping straight toward them, dragging them ever closer to the flaming gates of a winless season. At this point, it's less about winning and more about survival, or maybe just damage control. May the odds be ever in their favor. Or the Force. Or divine intervention. Because let’s be honest… that’s what it’ll take to win a single game now.

We’re hitting the middle of the German Football League (GFL)  season, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Some teams are dominating, others are fighting for survival, and a few are still trying to figure out their identity. Here’s where every team stands right now: 1) Dresden Monarchs The Monarchs  could very well keep their dominant run alive. With every game won by large margins, they’re holding the number one spot firmly and showing no signs of slowing down. 2) Potsdam Royals Defense wins games, and the Royals  have been phenomenal so far. Three shutouts and three more games allowing seven or fewer points—this defense is championship-caliber and could take them all the way. 3) Berlin Rebels Four straight wins for the Rebels , but the defense has been tested in some tight games. Can they hold up against the North’s top-tier teams down the stretch? 4) Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns The Unicorns  seem to have found their identity, cleaning up early-season issues. Their upcoming game against Potsdam  will be the real test of whether they’ve truly turned the corner. 5) New Yorker Lions Every win has come against lower-tier opponents, while every loss came against the top contenders. Their July 18 matchup will be the real indicator of where the Lions  actually stand. 6) IFM Razorbacks The Razorbacks  have bounced back from a rough start with a three-game winning streak. Their next matchup, however, is a monster: No. 1 Dresden . 7) Munich Cowboys After a rough 0–2 start, the Cowboys  have improved on both sides of the ball and now sit as the clear No. 2 in the South. They’re gaining momentum as a legitimate playoff threat. 8) Pforzheim Wilddogs The Wilddogs  came out hot to start the season but have cooled off, dropping a few tough games in recent weeks. They’ll need to rediscover that early-season form to stay in the South playoff hunt. 9) Kiel Baltic Hurricanes The Hurricanes  are competing hard every week despite a tough schedule, but their defense continues to be their Achilles’ heel in close games. 10) Düsseldorf Panthers The Panthers  are steadily improving and playing more competitive football each week. They’re climbing the rankings and could surprise someone if the trend continues. 11) Saarland Hurricanes Flashes of a real football team emerged against the Allgäu Comets , but they need to sustain that momentum if they want to climb out of the South basement. 12) Hildesheim Invaders The Invaders  are stuck in a skid, having lost four in a row. Their game against Paderborn  is a must-win to stop the bleeding. 13) Allgäu Comets The Comets  are struggling to find their footing. Their upcoming matchup against Pforzheim  will be a major test and could define the rest of their season. 14) Straubing Spiders The Spiders  haven’t won since Week 1 and now face Munich  again. They need to find a spark fast to avoid a lost season. 15) Paderborn Dolphins Still winless, the Dolphins  face the Invaders  next in what might be their best chance to finally break through.

From jaw-dropping plays to unexpected upsets, the weekend delivered all the drama and excitement fans could hope for. Now, it’s time to dive into the highs and lows, the standout performances and the surprising slip-ups. Are you ready to take a closer look at all the ups and downs from this past weekend on the gridiron? 1. Vienna Vikings They came with a mission, locked in, prepared as if heading into battle. From the first snap, the intensity was undeniable. The offense threw everything they had at the Musketeers ’ defense, fighting for every yard and every point. But it was the defense that rose to the occasion late in the game, stepping up when it mattered most to shut things down and seal the win. This hard-fought victory is one to savor,  but there’s no time to rest. With the Panthers looming next week, they’ll need to carry this momentum forward and stay sharp to avoid any surprises. 2. Nordic Storm Still the only undefeated team in the league, they once again proved why they’re at the top. Facing a tough and determined Fire squad, they delivered a well-rounded performance, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Down by twelve points at the start of the fourth quarter, they had to dig deep and rally back in dramatic fashion. Brendan Beaulieu continues to shine as Jadrian Clark ’s go-to target, making clutch plays when the game was on the line. With confidence riding high, they’ll look to keep their perfect record intact in what should be a more manageable matchup next week against the Berlin Thunder . 3. Paris Musketeers Despite a tough loss, sealed, we said it before, by a late interception, all eyes weren’t just on the field. The presence of Demario Davis and Madame Gayle Benson in the stands brought a special energy to the occasion. Davis , starting linebacker for the New Orleans Saints and a passionate supporter of the game, appreciated the intensity on display as both teams battled fiercely until the final whistle. While the defeat stings, nothing could dampen the unique atmosphere that made the day memorable for fans and players alike. Now, with heads held high and pride on the line, the team will aim to bounce back stronger in next week’s clash against the Surge . 4. Stuttgart Surge Welcome to Europe, Peyton Manning ! Oh wait, sorry for that mistake. That was just Reilly Hennessey putting on an absolute clinic, slinging the ball like a true pocket-passing legend. Everything looked effortless when he had the rock in his hands: 80% completion rate, six passing touchdowns, and one more on the ground. Simply unstoppable. And let’s not forget the key contributions of Sir Louis Geyer , who continues to be a difference-maker on the field. With momentum on their side, next week’s showdown against Paris is the perfect opportunity to silence the doubters and prove that their narrow loss was nothing more than a blip on the radar. 5. Munich Ravens They didn’t have to push too hard to secure the win, but allowing the Mercenaries to put up that many points does raise some concerns. While those late-game scores didn’t change the outcome, they highlighted some defensive lapses that can’t be ignored. Next week’s matchup against the Raiders will be a different story, a team that won’t offer the same margin for error. If they want to stay in the win column, they’ll need to tighten things up and bring a more disciplined performance on both sides of the ball. 6. Rhein Fire They put up a solid fight, but things unraveled after taking a 12-point lead. A costly lapse allowed Beaulieu to ignite the Storm ’s comeback, and from there, the momentum shifted. Struggling to move the ball effectively in the final stretch, they couldn’t find the end zone when it mattered most, though they did manage to slow down their opponent’s surge just enough to avoid a blowout. With lessons learned, they’ll now turn their focus to next week’s challenge as they look to bounce back with a win against the Sea Devils . 7. Raiders Tirol Let’s hope the bye week provided the rest they needed, because their next challenge is no easy one. They’ll be facing the Munich Ravens , a team hungry to return to the playoffs after last year’s electrifying run. With postseason ambitions on the line, the intensity is only going to rise from here. 8. Madrid Bravos The Madrilenian offense took full control from start to finish, leaving no room for the Enthroners to breathe. With Reid Sinnett and Edu Molina each finding the end zone three times, the unit was firing on all cylinders in a dominant display. But the focus now shifts to Switzerland, where the Mercenaries await, and they’ll be looking to slow down this red-hot attack. 9. Wrocław Panthers In a direct battle for position on the ladder, the Panthers came out swinging and never looked back after they achieved a pretty decent comeback. QB D.J. Irons delivered a standout performance, racking up nearly 350 total yards and accounting for four touchdowns through the air and on the ground. But the road ahead doesn’t get any easier, next week, they’ll have to rise to the occasion against a gritty Vikings team known for their intensity and physicality. 10. Prague Lions The game was fairly balanced, and at one point, they even held a 9-point lead. But despite that promising position, things unraveled late as they failed to slow down their rival’s momentum when it mattered most. Costly defensive lapses down the stretch sealed their fate. Now riding a two-game losing streak, next week’s matchup against the Enthroners presents a golden opportunity to bounce back and get back in the win column. 11. Frankfurt Galaxy The secondary looked completely unprepared at times. On one play, a safety collided with a cornerback near the end zone, gifting the opposing team an easy touchdown. On another, a simple slip left the backfield wide open. While the offense showed effort and drive, it’s tough to stay competitive when you’re constantly battling your own defense’s errors. The most alarming moment came late in the third quarter on a 2nd-and-5 near the red zone, the defense wasn’t even set at the snap, with one player still scrambling to get into position. Next week’s matchup against the Centurions shouldn’t be as challenging on paper, but with performances like this, nothing can be taken for granted. 12. Hamburg Sea Devils The bye week had to be put to good use, because next week, they face a true test as they attempt to take down the Rhein Fire . With preparation and precision, they'll need to bring their A-game to challenge one of the league’s top contenders. 13. Berlin Thunder Yes, they got the win, but let’s be honest, it had more to do with the Centurions ’ poor performance than a true sign of redemption. While a victory is a step forward, it’s hard to draw real conclusions from a game where the opponent barely showed up. The real test comes next week, when they face a much tougher challenge in the form of the Nordic Storm . That matchup will reveal whether they’re truly turning a corner or just benefiting from weaker competition. 14. Fehérvár Enthroners It was a tough battle from start to finish, but they showed heart every step of the way, and that effort deserves real credit. Despite the loss, there were promising signs on both sides of the ball, giving them something solid to build on. Considering their recent progress, and the struggles their next opponent has faced, they have every reason to believe they can aim for more than just a respectable showing against the Lions . A breakthrough might be closer than it seems. 15. Helvetic Mercenaries For once, they put up a real fight, and it showed. Now the challenge is to carry that same energy and determination into next week’s trip to Madrid . If they do, they just might come back with something to show for it. 16. Cologne Centurions Out there on the field, the guys looked resigned, lacking that fire, that hunger to win. It felt less like a team and more like a group of individuals left to fend for themselves. With that mindset, next week’s clash against the Galaxy doesn’t look very promising.

The playoffs of the Austrian Football League , one of the most competitive leagues in the world just came to a close and here is everything you need to know if you missed the games and want to know what’s waiting for you in the finals. Two games in one weekend and four teams wanting to come out on top while only two of them are going to be in the finals. Welcome to the Austrian Bowl playoffs review. Prague Black Panthers @ Danube Dragons The game started quickly with a 7:0 lead by the Black Panthers , which was the last that we heard from them.  After that the dragons locked in and startet throwing hit after hit. The dragons quarterback said it himself: „the runningbacks made my job and the job of the receivers way easier.“ In the end the Dragons won 42 to 7. Vienna Vikings @ Graz Giants This game was exciting from the start. The Giants dominated the Vikings in every game they played this season and were expecting to do the same this time. The Vikings were determined to show what they had in store. The first quarter ended with a score of 0:0 which showed exactly how good both of the defensive teams are. In the second quarter the Vikings finally scored a touchdown and followed it up with a two-point conversion. They stayed in the lead for the rest of the game. The Vikings changed their quarterback right before this game. They cut Aaron Ellis and signed a D-3 player with the name of Russel Minor-Shaw . Aaron Ellis definitely has the size to be a double threat quarterback, but the coaches never really took advantage of that, which changed with the recruitment of Russel . He took the offence to multiple first-downs with trick and option plays with the runningback. The AFC Vienna Viking ’s won the game with a score of 22:10.

The Italian Football League  has come to an end as Guelfi Firenze  have beaten the Ancona Dolphins  49-14 to take their second  Italian Bowl  in the team’s history. With that, though, the offseason has just started. Right up until the start of the 2026 season in February, First Down Mag  will inform you about all the movements in the IFL  by all teams and around the league. 2025 IFL Awards Before the Italian Bowl  even concluded, many things already happened around the  IFL , starting with the  Italian Football League Awards , decided by the  IFL  Commission, which is composed of all of the league’s insiders and federation members. Rik Parker , in his first year as the HC of Dolphins Ancona , has been announced as the Best Coach of the IFL  in the 2025 season, thanks to his efforts on bringing the green and orange side to their first championship game in 21 years. Andrea Fimiani , QB for Guelfi Firenze  is the Best Italian Player, thanks to his 48 TDs and 3,146 all around yards. He also won the MVP race, continuing his great moment as one of the best players in the league and one of the best in Italian football right now. In 2025  Lions Bergamo  experienced a reverse perfect season with their 0-11 record, including the loss in the playout game against the  Albisola Pirates , but found in Tommaso Moro , the 2025 IFL Rookie of The Year, a rare gem. He scored 2 TDs on 14 receptions for 229 yards during a rather unlucky season for his team. Moro started his adventure in American Football after an open tryout organized by the Lions in October 2024, and has already shown some potential for the organization’s future. Skorpions Varese  WR Roberto Zanovello  has been announced as the Best Special Teams player of the year with 26 kick returns for 716 yards and one returned for a touchdown. Danny Kittner , the Frogs Legnano  Import Player, has been nominated as the Best Offensive Player of the season. He scored 16 total TDs with 98 receptions for 1,417 yards as well as 76 carries for 317 rushing yards. The Dolphins’ Valentino Rotelli  is voted as the best defensive player with 20.5 total tackles (13.5/7.0), 2.5 tackles for a loss, 2 fumble recoveries and 6 interceptions. FIDAF Hall of Fame FIDAF  has also announced the three new members of its Hall of Fame. Every year, three former players, coaches or team members who have contributed to the success of American football in Italy  become immortal thanks to all they have done on and off the gridiron. The 2025 class includes Gianluigi Allegretti , who is a pioneer of American football in Southern Italy  (especially Apulia ), former player and coach of the now defunct Mad Bulls Barletta . It is also composed by Maurizio Barbotti , a former Frogs Legnano , Lions Bergamo  and Pharaones Milano  player who  won it all, and by former Dolphins Ancona  player and HC Roberto Rotelli , who left the sideline this year to continue his career behind the desk. All three of these gentlemen were officially inducted during the Silver Bowl , the final of the  IFL2  (the second tier of Italian Football ). Silver Bowl and Nine Bowl Speaking of the  Silver Bowl , on both the 4th and 5th of July the other two championships of Italian Football were decided in Cecina , a city near Leghorn/Livorno . Saints Padova  and Elephants Catania  were the finalists of this year’s Silver Bowl , while Cavaliers Castelfranco  and Navy Seals Bari  were the two remaining teams in the Nine Football League  (9v9 Football). Before the matches, there was the opportunity for two teams from South Italy  to finally conquer a title, the first in nine years for a team hailing from that part of the “Boot”, and in the end, the Elephants  finally managed to win it all. Meanwhile, the Castelfranco Cavaliers  dominated the Nine Bowl , beating the Navy Seals  with a tough 43-0 final score, while Catania  won the Silver Bowl against the Padova Saints  with a final score of 27-7. This is the first official title conquered by the  Cavs  in FIDAF  Football, while after 23 years and 9 championship game losses, Catania  finally made it, winning their second title under the actual federation. Their first title was in 2002 with the  FIDAF  Arena League (8v8 Football), the first tournament in the history of the Italian organization. During the offseason we will know about the  Elephants’  destiny for next year and if they will officially join the Italian Football League  for the first time in more than a decade. Elephants  president Lucio Maugeri  has declared that a decision on their 2026 plans (whether they will play in the  IFL or not), has not been made yet. Roster and Sideline Changes Christian Nobile , one year removed from the IFL  sidelines, has been announced as the new HC of Warriors Bologna . The white and blue team has decided to move on from Samuele Rigato , who ends his stint as the head coach of the team after just two seasons. The Warriors  have announced during the Italian Bowl Week  that Christian Nobile , former player also for Panthers Parma  and Seamen Milano  and now member of the Tirol Raiders  coaching staff in the ELF , will indeed come back to Italy  as their new HC for the 2026 season first with the Under 18 team during the National Junior Championships , and then for the Senior Team playing in the  Italian Football League . This is a return to the  IFL for  Nobile , who has already coached for Vipers Modena , winning a Silver Bowl  in 2021 and bringing them to the playoffs 1 year later. He also coached the Rhinos Milano  during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, participating in the postseason during his first year in orange and black. Early player movements Speaking of player movements, Roberto Lira  has announced that he will not continue with Lions Bergamo  in 2026. This is the first player to announce his departure from his 2025 team, as the future for Orobici  is uncertain at the moment. It is sure that he will not be the only one. In an interview released by local newspaper  Gazzetta di Parma , Vanni Belli  has announced that he is retiring after spending eleven years with the Panthers . A former  Bobcats Parma  player, the defensive lineman has won three titles (2021, 2023, 2024) in black and silver. Many import players will continue their 2025 season abroad. Josiah Norwood , this year’s Lazio Marines  QB, has now joined the  Helvetic Mercenaries  as a replacement to Isaiah Weed , who was recently released by the Swiss team. Four more players were signed by the  Mercs : Roberto Zanovello , Andrea Poglietelli , Luigi Minaudo  and Marco Cupic , respectively from  Skorpions Varese , Guelfi Firenze , Hammers Monza e Brianza  and Lugano Rebels  (a Swiss team that played in the 2025 Nine Football League, the third tier of Italian Football). Another player who started his season in the Italian Football League  and then was called to the ELF  was Jordan Bouah , who spent half of the 2025 IFL  season with Rhinos Milano  before flying to Germany  to be part of the Rhein Fire  roster. The defending champions of the  European League of Football  had released their former Seamen  WR, as he was injured for a long period of time and was occupying an E-Import spot. He will return later this year to play once again in the European league, getting off the injury list after Week 11 of the ELF regular season. Vitor Festuccia , a Brazilian player for Pirates Albisola , has returned to his country and to his former team, the  AD Vikings Berserkers , for the final period of the season in the Sao Paulo Football League , a state championship in Brazilian football. His team lost in the Serie Prata  final against Sao José Jets , who won the game with a 35-14 final score. Former Aquile Ferrara  QB Percy King  has continued his season in Poland  as part of the Wroclaw Panthers  farm team playing in the PFL , losing in the first round of the playoffs against the Warsaw Mets  (58-42). Meanwhile, Warriors Bologna  have also announced that former Slippery Rock University safety Josh Stokes  will be their first import player for the 2026 season. Stokes  recorded 6 INTs, 170 tackles, one sack and six tackles for a loss in 52 games during his four year spell in  Pennsylvania . The Maryland -born player will play for the first time outside of the United States .

A (POSSIBLE) NEW DYNASTY We might have a new dynasty on our hands. The Carlstad Crusaders  were Swedish champions for 8 years in a row between 2010 and 2017 and HC Christian Forsman  might have just restored that old glory with a second consecutive title. Crusaders  key players seem to be going nowhere and they are reinforcing their strong homegrown squad with clever (and long-term) import choices each season. As we see what unfolds in the offseason, we could be looking at yet another long streak of dominance from Carlstad . CONSISTENCY IS KEY This could be a coincidence or not but both teams in the SM final fielded American quarterbacks who were both in their 2nd season with their respective teams. Consistency seemed to be the key this year for both the Royal Crowns  and Crusaders , who had phenomenal offensive output. It will be interesting to see which teams (can manage to) stick with their signal caller for the 2026 season. KP & AIK ARE HERE TO STAY When the Swedish Superserien  announced its expansion in 2025, newly promoted Kristianstad  and AIK  were not forces to be reckoned with at all. In the span of merely a calendar year both teams have made tremendous progress, with AIK  stealing away award-winning players from top teams and the  Predators  reaching the playoffs as the 4-seed. The fact that both teams brought in more imports during the season only shows that they were not messing around and truly could be part of the playoff picture for the foreseeable future. SMM NEEDS A “REBUILD” Rebuild is a strong word for a (usual) Scandinavian powerhouse like the Stockholm Mean Machines  but the 2025 season was not at all what we expected from the former champs. 3 different QBs (though it be because of injury) and countless other distractions had them go 4-4 and miss the playoffs entirely. Make no mistake, though, this team can and should be Carlstad’s  biggest rival in the coming years. The talent on the roster is immense. Good import choices and a little more luck with injuries and SMM could be back to the golden days in no time. SWEDISH FOOTBALL IS FUN The Swedish Superserien  is straight up fun to watch. The players are talented, the games close and the homepage and statistical output/transparency that the league provides is one of the best in all of Europe! Yes, some teams need to fix their livestreams and social media (badly!) but overall, this is a great league to follow and will continue to be in the future.

Újpest Bulldogs - Budapest Cowbells The game kicked off with high intensity, as Cowbells quickly drove into field goal range on their opening possession, only to be denied by a blocked kick from the Bulldogs special teams. That didn’t faze the home team, though: they bounced back immediately and capped their next drive with a well-timed quarterback run for a touchdown. The Bulldogs , however, wouldn’t back down. They methodically moved the ball downfield, and although standout S Komiszár — who’s had a stellar season — forced a key fumble, the Bulldogs managed to tie the game shortly after with a score from RB Környei . The Cowbells ' offense had a rollercoaster performance throughout the game. At times, they moved the ball with explosive catches and solid runs; at others, they were stalled by the relentless Bulldogs defense, especially their defensive front and aggressive blitz packages. One of the clear defensive MVPs was import DL Billy Hatten , who delivered a phenomenal performance, recording multiple sacks and TFLs. In the second half, the Cowbells offense found its rhythm again: WR Tóth Ákos continued to make big plays, and QB Everson extended drives with improvised runs, eventually leading to more touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs offense struggled to respond, and S Komiszár added another highlight to his day with a timely interception. But just when it seemed the game was slipping away, the Bulldogs staged a heroic goal-line effort to punch in a touchdown. And with only seconds remaining, DB Santana lined up as a receiver and hauled in a stunning Hail Mary in double coverage to tie the game and send it to overtime. In the extra period, the Bulldogs came out firing. QB Emhő ran in another touchdown, putting all the pressure on the Cowbells . They couldn’t respond. A dropped pass was followed by a game-sealing interception by S Happ . With that, the Bulldogs secured a dramatic, come-from-behind victory and punched their ticket to the Hungarian Bowl on July 12th, where they’ll face the Saints for the national championship title. Diósd Saints - Győr Sharks The game kicked off with early signs of defensive dominance as Sharks LB Pretorious intercepted a tipped pass, continuing his stellar season. The Sharks capitalized with a methodical drive featuring QB scrambles and screen passes, ending in a field goal. The Saints ’ response showed promise, highlighted by long gains from WR Pusztai and QB O’Connor’s legs but they failed to reach the end zone, and the drive resulted in a turnover on downs. The Sharks moved the ball efficiently with multiple completions to WR Nenad , but the Saints ’ defense came up with key stops. The following Saints drive was a turning point: WR Mészáros , RB Ambrus , and RB Szűcs steadily advanced the ball before Szűcs powered into the end zone on his second goal-line attempt for the game’s first touchdown. The Sharks responded with a quick drive of their own, and added a field goal after another deep push led by WR Nenad before halftime. The Saints came out strong after the break. A 45-yard run by RB Ambrus set up a WR Mészáros touchdown, followed by him recovering an onside kick. They scored again with another strong series capped off by an Ambrus TD run. The Sharks answered with a touchdown from Nenad , but the Saints pulled ahead once more with a Goodman touchdown and a two-point catch by Pfisztner . In the final quarter, both teams traded explosive plays. The Sharks stayed in it with a 50-yard bomb to WR Durgő and yet another touchdown by WR Nenad . But the Saints defense made the difference: DB Nagy grabbed a late interception and later broke up a deep pass near the sideline. Under heavy blitz pressure, the Sharks ’ final drive collapsed, and a turnover on downs sealed the win for the Saints and with that, they punched their ticket to the Hungarian Bowl in their very first HFL season. Overview The stage is set for the XIX. Hungarian Bowl , with the league’s top talents on display and two hungry teams chasing history, this year's Hungarian Bowl promises to be more than just a game, it’s shaping up to be a true showcase of what Hungarian football has become. Fans can expect big plays, emotional moments, and a fierce battle from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Both finalists had anything but a smooth ride getting here. The Saints burst out of the gates with confidence, winning their first three games, but then lost momentum and struggled down the stretch. In contrast, the Bulldogs built up steam as the season progressed, delivering increasingly strong performances on their way to the final. Now, both teams arrive in peak form, eager to claim their first-ever HFL championship title . The Bulldogs will need to focus on stopping the Saints ’ dominant ground game, something no team has truly managed this season. One of their top priorities will be slowing down RB Ambrus , who has been slicing through defenses all year long. But it’s not just the rushing attack that poses a threat: the Saints ’ passing game is just as dangerous, with a stacked group of playmakers ready to punish any mistake. Offensively, the Bulldogs must also prepare for relentless pressure, as the Saints ’ heavy D-line and aggressive blitzes are likely to test their protection all game long. The best opening may come through the air, as the Saints ’ secondary has shown signs of vulnerability under pressure. The Saints , meanwhile, will look to carry over the same confident performance they showed in the semifinals. Offensively, containing Bulldogs ’ DL Billy Hatten will be a priority as he’s been a force all season and could easily disrupt the game plan if left unchecked. But the real challenge lies with the defense. Keeping QB Emhő in the pocket will be critical. While he’s capable through the air, once he gets going on the ground, he becomes extremely difficult to stop. The Saints ’ defense will need to stay disciplined and wrap up tackles consistently to avoid big gains. And they can’t afford to overlook the Bulldogs ’ receiving corps either—especially British standout Nash , who torched them for four touchdowns in their last meeting. As both teams dive deep into film study and game planning, one thing is certain: this won’t be just another football game. On July 12th, fans can expect a dramatic, high-energy finale that will crown a brand new HFL champion and leave no one in the stands sitting still.