With the playoffs coming up this weekend in Sweden there was only one change in stats leaders to end the season in the Swedish Superserien as Stockholm Mean Machines WR Matt Retzlaff retook the lead in receiving yardage for the year.

The Carlstad Crusaders ended up with five players in the Top 5 in the three categories, passing, receiving and rushing. The  Stockholm Mean Machines and Göteborg Marvels were represented with three each while the Uppsala 86ers and Örebro Black Knights had two each.

Passing

Carlstad Crusaders QB Philip Juhlin finished the year where he started as the top passing quarterback in Sweden with 2,180 yards and a league best 29 passing TDs.  Anders Hermodsson of the Stockholm Mean Machines wound up 2nd with his 1,594  yards. John Rock of the Uppsala 86ers, climbed up into 3rd with 1,471 yards while RB/QB Gerard Johnson of the Göteborg Marvels ended up 4th with 1,364 yards. Örebro Black Knights quarterback Raleigh Yeldell III finished 5th in overall passing yardage with 1,235 yards.

Receiving

Stockholm Mean Machines WR Matthew Retzlaff moved back up into the top spot after catching six passes for 161 yards and 2 TDs in the final regular season game of the year against the Black Knights. He finished with 810 yards. Robin Juhlin of the Carlstad Crusaders finished 2nd, barely, with 808 yards while last year’s top wide receiver, Jacob Dahre of the Crusaders wound up 3rd with 562 despite missing the last game with an injury. Marvels versatile WR Alpha Jalloh moved into 4th with 550 yards while Isac Vikman of the Uppsala 86ers ended up 5th with 512.

Rushing

As he did all season, Stockholm Mean Machines RB Emil Knutsson led the league in rushing finishing with 754 yards. Johnny Grandin of the Örebro Black Knights wound up 2nd with 652 yards while Carlstad Crusaders RB Victor Toresson was 3rd with 402 yards. Marvels Gerard Johnson ended 4th with 314 yards and 8 TDs. Crusader’s QB Philip Juhlin finished in 5th with 308 yards and a league-best 10 TDs.

The post Final regular season stats in Sweden as playoffs loom appeared first on American Football International.

The Carlstad Crusaders have called in coaching reinforcements with the playoffs coming up this weekend in Sweden.

Runaway leaders of the Swedish Superserien, the Crusaders are taking nothing for granted and with 2017 offensive coordinator Danny Mitchell now unable to join the team for the playoffs as planned, the club opted to bring in Josh Dean, who has been coached by Mitchell.

While continuing his playing career in Europe, Dean has coached in the United States, both as a wide receivers coach at his alma mater,Willamette College and at El Modena High School in 2016-2107.

Initially, it was planned that Mitchell would be able to join the team late in the season after his high school team finished spring training. But in the end, things did not work out so the club brought in Dean.

The 6’2″, 215 lb, 26 year old from Dana Point, California and graduate of Willamette University, just finished helping the Ancona Dolphins reach the playoffs in Italy where they were beaten in the quarterfinals. He finished the regular season as the sixth leading passer in Italy with 1,398 yards. Prior to that he helped Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos reach two consecutive Swiss Bowls, winning the 2015 championship in Switzerland. Dean spent the 2014 season with the Onsabrück Tigers in the German third division.

Dean enjoyed a standout career playing for the Willamette University Bears, an NCAA Division III program in the Northwest Conference in Salem, Ore.. In 2013, Dean was named second team All-NWC for a second consecutive year and was named first team Capital One Academic All-District.

Mitchell, who has worked closely with the late Tom Martinez, Tom Brady’s mentor and quarterback coach, understands what Dean brings:

“Josh is one of the best quarterbacks I have ever had the chance to coach. He is extremely athletic, intelligent, and most of all, a phenomenal leader. He possesses every trait any team would want in a coach and a player. Having coached at every level of football (Swedish Super Series, GFL, D1 FBS, D1FCS, D2, D3, NAIA, JC, and HS) I would say that without a doubt Josh will make a difference.”

Dean had been contemplated as the team’s offensive coordinator for this season but he opted to play in Italy. However, Carlstad has stayed in touch with him throughout the season.

Robert Sundberg, Crusaders sports director:

“It’s really great that a guy like Josh wants to work on his coaching career and that he chooses to spend his holidays here in Karlstad and help our team.”

Josh Dean:

“I hope I can help the team in every way that is possible to continue their winnings and that I can become part of the amazing story of coaches and players who have been part of Carlstad Crusaders And I would like to thank the association, the players and all the supporters who have made me feel welcome in the short time I’ve been here. “

The post Euro veteran QB Josh Dean guest coaching for Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders appeared first on American Football International.

By Larry Kelley, Westerly Sun staff writer

Greg Gibson felt on top of the world when he helped Stonington High win its first and only CIAC state football championship in 1991.

Gibson scored a touchdown and intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter to help seal the Bears’ 20-12 victory over Sacred Heart-Waterbury and had his picture on the front page of The Westerly Sun the next day.

A generation after that accomplishment, Gibson is looking to return to that top-of-the-world feeling … on the other side of the world.

He’s the defensive coordinator of Sweden’s national U19 American football team, which will compete in the International Federation of American Football World Junior Championships starting on July 14 at Olympic Stadium in Mexico City. Sweden qualified for the six-team tournament by winning the European title.

Gibson’s experience playing football and winning a championship has stuck with him as he approaches his mid-40s.

“The lessons, discipline, friendship and camaraderie were the best part of my experience at Stonington,” Gibson, a 1993 graduate, said in an email. “I would be foolish not to mention the skills learned from coach Bob Mitchell, who taught us that being good at controlling the small details leads to accomplishing big goals.”

Gibson had a good idea football would remain a big part of his life when he decided to make a career out of teaching and coaching. He coached at three Massachusetts high schools from 2002 to 2015.

Photo: Yamamoto Shinji

But he had no idea he would some day coach in Sweden, teaching a game to teenagers who did not grow up with the sport the way Americans have through the years. He met a Swedish international student in 2008 while getting a college degree, married her in 2015 and moved to Sweden shortly thereafter.

“The best fit was to work as a teacher here in Sweden,” said Gibson, who teaches sixth grade at the International School of Helsingborg, an English school. “In Sweden, word travels fast if it is known an experienced coach has moved to the country. So not long after coming here, I was approached and asked to coach the Limhamn Griffins of Malmö Sweden. Knowing it was going to be tough for me culturally — not too bad, though — I needed to add some normality and do something I loved doing outside of work. Naturally, coaching football made the transition into my new life easier. It also helped me make friends rather quickly. ”

After a year of coaching there, he was approached by the Swedish national U19 team and asked to be defensive coordinator of the U19 team and over-19 senior team.

“Team Sweden will be much better at the world championship than most will think,” Gibson said. “The players are committed, hard working and smart. They learn quickly and aren’t afraid to ask questions. I feel most of the average players on Team Sweden are at the Division II or III college level, with five or six who can play at the FCS or BCS Division I level.”

Gibson said Sweden features a number of linemen close to 300 pounds. He said team speed is improving but will be a few ticks below the running ability of Team Canada and Team USA. He said the Canadians are the team to beat since the country sends its best players while the USA’s top 19-year-olds are playing college ball.

Photo: Yamamoto Shinji

While American football grows in popularity in Sweden — NFL games are available on television — Gibson said the media does not publicize its games as much as other popular international sports, such as soccer, hockey, skiing and track and field.

“The funny thing is football is popular here for some, but most people who live in Sweden don’t realize it exists here,” Gibson said. “It is very common for people to react like this when I mention American football: ‘You coach American football? Where do you practice and where do you play?’ I really believe if there were more dedicated coaches here, the sport would really take off. Because it is looked at like a hobby here, many coaches take the same approach.”

Though Scandinavia is the historic land of the Vikings, Gibson said the Patriots get a slight nod over Minnesota’s NFL team as the country’s favorite American squad.

“Honestly, I thought it was a joke when I got here, because many of fans do actually like the Vikings — which I thought was hilarious,” Gibson said. “Later, I found out that in the ’90s the Vikings played a preseason game in the Swedish city Gothenburg, and many people picked them up as a favorite. Now, due to their recent success, many fans pull for the Patriots. The Cowboys may be America’s team, but the Patriots are the world’s team.”

Gibson looks for a solid showing as he brings Team Sweden to the Western Hemisphere next month.

“In order for Team Sweden to beat the US, or Canada, we will have to play mistake-free football with no turnovers, limit the big play on defense, create a few turnovers, and make a play or two on special teams,” he said. “These teams, especially Team USA and Canada, will have a distinct speed advantage over us. We will be able handle the size, but it will be really difficult to maintain leverage against linemen with so much speed and experience.”

Read the original story in the Westerly Sun by Larry Kelly.

Photos: Yamamoto Shinji

http://www.thewesterlysun.com/Sports/Stonington-High-School-Sports/Stonington-High-School-Sports-Stories/Stonington-s-Greg-Gibson-finds-football-home-in-Sweden.html#gallery-6

The post Stonington, Connecticut’s Greg Gibson has found a home coaching U19 national team in Sweden appeared first on American Football International.

This weekend will feature plenty of American football action in Europe including four national championship games, 13 national semifinals and four wild card playoff games. A total of 48 teams from 12 different countries including France, Belgium, Romania, Turkey, Austria, Belarus, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland will be battling in post season play.

Championship games in Europe

France

In Paris, the La Courneuve Flash, defending French champions will take on their arch rivals and 2017 finals  opponents, the Thonon Black Panthers in the 2018 Casque de Diamant . The Flash defeated Thonon in 2017 after staging an incredible second half comeback to win 44-40.

Belgium

In Belgium, the defending champion Brussels Black Angels are getting ready to face the Limburg Shotguns in Belgian Bowl XXXI. In 2017, the Black Angels defeated the Brussels Tigers for the title.

While Brussels is making its eighth appearance in the title game, this is the first trip to the finals for the Shotguns. They would otherwise be overwhelming underdogs were it not for the fact that Jaycen Tayler is coaching the team. Taylor, MVP of Finland’s 2017 Maple Bowl, suffered a season ending injury early in the year and since has guided Limburg on an improbable run since taking over as head coach four games into the season.

Romania

The defending champions Cluj Crusaders have reached the Robowl, the Romanian title game again where they will face the Bucharest Rebels. The Rebels will be attempting to win their fourth Romanian championship. They defeated Cluj two years ago in winning their third consecutive Romanian title. Last year, Cluj downed  the Bucharest Warriors 17-12 in the final game.

Turkey

Istanbul’s Koc Rams will attempt a three-peat and defend their Turkish title when they face the Bogazici Sultans in Sunday’s final in Turkey. The Rams won the 2017 crown by beating the Sakarya Tatankalari 56-14. These two teams faced each other in the 2016 final when the Rams staged a late-game rally to defeat the Sultans 21-14 to win the Turkish championship for the first time in their history. 

Semifinal games

Belarus

The Minsk Litwins  and Grodno Barbarians will square off on June 30 in the first semifinal in Belarus while on July 1, the Minsk Hurricanes  will  play the Vitebsk Lynxes.

Hungary

The Budapest Wolves and Nyiregyhaza Tigers will face each other in the first Hungarian semifinal June 30 while in the other game on July 1, the Miskolc Steelers and defending champion Budapest Cowbells take each other one in a rematch of the 2017 finals which the Cowbells won.

Norway

The defending champion Oslo Vikings are scheduled to face the Eidsvoll 1814s in one semifinal on Sunday July 1 while the Åsane Seahawks and the Vålerenga Trolls tangle in the other semifinal game on Saturday, June 30. In 2017, Oslo manhandled the 1814s in the Norwegian final, beating them 51-7 to win their second straight Norwegian title.

Poland – PLFA

The Warsaw Eagles  are slated to take on the Szczecin Husaria in the first semifinal in Poland’s PLFA league while Poznan Kozly  faces the Zabki Monarchs in the other game.

Serbia

The Kragujevac Wild Boars  will begin defense of their Serbian title when they play host to the Belgrade Blue Dragons on June 30. In  the other semifinal, SBB Vukovi Belgrade take on the Indija Indians  in a battle of cross town rivals. The Wild Boars, who are making their 13th appearance in the title game, staged a thrilling 24-16 come from behind victory over the GAT Novi Sad Dukes to win the 2017 Serbian Bowl and capture their seventh Serbian title and second in a row.

Slovakia

The first place Trnava Bulldogs will take on the fourth place Nitra Knights in the first semifinal game on June 30. The Bulldogs defeated the Knights both times they played them this year. In the other playoff game, the Cassovia Steelers and Zilina Warriors square off.

Sweden

Four Swedish teams are preparing for the semifinals in Sweden’s Superserien. The defending and eight-time champion Carlstad Crusaders will play the Uppsala 86ers in one semifinal game while the Örebro Black Knights will host the Stockholm Mean Machines in the other.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos, defending Swiss champions who have won the title two of the last three years (2015, 2017) will face the Winterthur Warriors while the Bern Grizzlies and Geneva Seahawks will decide the other finals berth.

Wild Card Playoffs

Austria

The Danube Dragons and Mödling Rangers will play one wild card game to decide who moves on to the semifinals against either the Vienna Vikings or Swarco Raiders. The other wild card game features the Graz Giants and Ljubljana Silverhawks,

Poland – LFA

The Bialystok Lowlanders will take on the Wyszkow Rhinos in the first wild card game in Poland’s LFA while the Warsaw Sharks and Gdynia Seahawks play in the other game.

Look for full previews of the livestream games in AFI this weekend.

The post Wild weekend of championships, playoffs in Europe; 48 teams in 13 countries compete in post season play appeared first on American Football International.

The unbeaten Carlstad Crusaders (8-0) will take on the 2-6 Uppsala 86ers in the Swedish Superserien semifinals, Saturday, June 30 at Tingvalla IP stadium in Karlstad, Sweden in their quest for a ninth straight Swedish title.

The Crusaders enter the game as overwhelming favorites having beaten Uppsala both times they met during the regular season by scores of 42-0 and 52-20.

Carlstad led Sweden in points scored averaging 50 points a game while giving up 20.8. Uppsala struggled offensively scoring 117 points in eight games while allowing 222.

Crusaders QB Philip Juhlin finished the year where he started as the top passing quarterback in Sweden with 2,180 yards and a league best 29 passing TDs.  Robin Juhlin of the Carlstad Crusaders finished 2nd in receiving, barely, with 808 yards while last year’s top wide receiver, Jacob Dahre of the Crusaders wound up 3rd with 562 despite missing the last game with an injury. Carlstad Crusaders RB Victor Toresson was 3rd in rushing with 402 yards while Philip Juhlin finished in 5th with 308 yards and a league-best 10 TDs.

Carlstad linebackers Christian Kuylenstjerna and Mattias Eriksson are second and third in tackling in the league and lead a formidable front seven. Defensive back Julius Rucker is a key factor for Carlstad as well. He was the third leading tackler on the team and led Sweden in interceptions with four including a pick six.

John Rock of the Uppsala 86ers, was the third leading passer in the league with 1,471 yards and 14 touchdowns. Isac Vikman of the Uppsala 86ers ended up as the 5th leading receiver with 512 yards and seven touchdowns. Mattias Gauthier finished the year with 231 yards receiving, second best on the team. The addition of Canadian running back/linebacker/defensive lineman Dylan Minshull was a boost for the 86ers. In four games he rushed for 298 yards but also amassed 25 tackles. In the loss to Carlstad, he led Uppsala in tackles with 10 and he had seven in the final game against Stockholm.

This will be a tough one for Uppsala. The key will be the battle in the trenches. If the Uppsala offensive line can give Rock an extra second, he can deliver the ball and if Minshull can get a little more running room, the 86ers could make it exciting.

Kickoff is 1:00 pm (7a EST) and the game is being broadcast live on CMore in Sweden (PPV) and shown in a tape delay as well.

Watch the game live (Pay per View) by clicking here.  It costs 99 Swedish kronor. The broadcast is “semi geo-restricted”. A Swedish credit/bank card is necessary. Click on the button that says “Standard Sport”. Then fill in your email address, name and password and click Skapa konto, Open account. Add your credit card number. You can choose two weeks for free “Prova 2 veckor gratis” or you can choose to watch a single  game. The game costs 99 Swedish kronor, or about $11 while a subscription is 199 kronor per month.

The post LIVESTREAM PPV: Sweden Semifinals – Uppsala 86ers @Carlstad Crusaders, June 30, 1p (7a EST) appeared first on American Football International.

The last two weeks have seen plenty of action and upsets in Europe with and unprecedented number of position changes as AFI presents the seventh edition of the AFI Europe Top 20.Coaches Poll. With their thrilling wins, Germany’s Potsdam Royals and Berlin Rebels have made dramatic climbs in our rankings. Potsdam has continued to climb and now occupies our #8 spot while Berlin has jumped from #16 to #9 following their upset win over the New Yorker Lions.

AFI is proud to have the input of some of the best coaches in Europe on our  11 man panel which continues to grow. We’ve aggregated the choices of these top European coaches and executives and present them along with our own choices.

The AFI Coaches Poll is conducted bi-weekly throughout the European regular season using a panel of coaches from European clubs. The panel is chosen by election, country by country plus independents, from a pool of coaches who have indicated to the American Football International their willingness to participate. Each coach submits a Top 20 with a first-place vote worth 20 points, second place 19 and so on down to one point for 20th.

This week’s panel includes eight coaches from seven nations, many of whom lead teams in our poll and special football ambassador, Johannes Woudenberg:

• Stan Bedwell – HC Allgäu Comets (Germany)
• Dan Levy – HC Prague Black Panthers (Czech Republic)
• Dave Likins – DC Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (Germany)
• Nick Johansen – HC Wroclaw Panthers (Poland)
• Geoff Buffum – HC Calanda Broncos (Switzerland)
• Shuan Fatah – HC Swarco Raiders (Austria)
• Malik Jackson – HC Vukovi Belgrade (Serbia)
• Juha Hakala- HC Helsinki Roosters (Finland)
• Johannes Woudenberg – Ambassador at large (Holland)

With all the countries in Europe now in action, there are a lot of games to monitor and our panel does their utmost to keep up.

We continually work to improve and always welcome your comments and insight.

If you are interested in being a part of the AFI Coaches Poll in 2018 please email contact@americanfootballinternational.com.

Now, for the rankings!

1. Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (8-0 GFL1) – Germany (Last poll #1)

The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns  continue to march through the German Football League and justify their number one ranking in Europe. They have had two easy wins over the Stuttgart Scorpions and Munich Cowboys. Prior to that, the Unicorns turned back the Frankfurt Universe 17-7 four weeks ago, their main challengers in the GFL South. They had opened the season with lopsided wins over the Munich Cowboys, Allgäu Comets, Stuttgart Scorpions, Kirchdorf Wildcats and Ingolstad Dukes. They are averaging 40.5 points a game while giving up 9.  The Unicorns started the year in top spot after last year’s German championship win over the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in German Bowl XXXIX. They finished the season undefeated with a 17-0 record. Until they are unseated, the Haller fans will continue to claim #1.

Next up: Marburg Mercenaries, June 30.

Unicorns WR Nathaniel Robitaille Photo: MANFRED LÖFFLER

2. New Yorker Lions (5-1 GFL1; 3-0 Big6) – Germany (Last poll #2)

Despite dropping a close 24-21 decision to the Berlin Rebels two weeks ago, the Lions rebounded hammering the Dresden Monarchs 44-24 and thus retain their #2 ranking according to our coaches. The Lions won their fourth straight and sixth overall Eurobowl title, beating the #5 Frankfurt Universe 20-19. They had previously beaten both the Hamburg Huskies twice and the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes and Hildesheim Invaders. The Lions opened the season with a tight 10-6 win over the La Courneuve Flash from France in the Big6. They followed that up with a 60-0 trouncing of the Amsterdam Crusaders to qualify for the Eurobowl final.  The perennial challengers for both the number one spot in Europe and the German title were undone in the 2017 German championship game losing to the #1 ranked by a last second blocked field goal. 

Next up: Potsdam Royals, July 1.

New Yorker Lions QB Jadrian Clark Photo: Sidelineview

3. Helsinki Roosters (5-0 SAJL;1-0 Int.) – Finland (Last poll #3)

The Roosters sit alone atop the Maple League standings after overwhelming the Seinäjoki Crocodiles 88-21. They defeated the second place Kuopio Steelers 55-26. They overwhelmed the Porvoo Butchers thee weeks ago. They opened their season in Finland with a one-sided victory over their Maple Bowl opponents, the Wasa Royals, beating them 48-7. They had surprised everyone by beating the Dacia Vienna Vikings in Vienna four weeks ago, 41-37.  The shocker of a win under new/old head coach Juha Hakala put Finnish football back on the map. Last season, they defeated Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders to win the Northern European Football League (NEFL) title. AFI expects the Roosters to dominate 2018 in Finland’s SAJL and possibly beyond.

Next up: Porvoo Butchers, July 5.

Helsinki Roosters QB Brandon Connette Photo: Riku Flink

4. Swarco Raiders (8-2 AFL1; 3-0 CEFL; 1-0 Int.) – Austria (Last poll #4)

The Swarco Raiders have been on a roll in the past four weeks. Although they dropped their final regular season game of the Austrian season to the Danube Dragons, while resting starters, they look formidable. They captured their 2nd straight CEFL Bowl title beating the Koc Rams from Turkey. The week before they defeated the Ljubljana Silverhawks in Austria. In fact, all year they have played outstanding football crushing the Dacia Vienna Vikings and then beating Central College (NCAA Div. III) and the Modling Rangers. The Raiders now occupy top spot in the Austrian Football League. Swarco had demolished the Wroclaw Panthers from Poland, previously Europe’s #6 team and have looked impressive midway through the Austrian season.

Next up: Copenhagen Towers, June 30.

Swarco RB Sandro Platzgummer scoring one of his 4 TDs Photo: Goran Milosavljevic Fotografie

5. Frankfurt Universe (5-1 GFL1 2-1 Big6) – Germany (Last poll #5)

The Frankfurt Universe remain in our Top 5 after improving their record in the GFL to 5-1 with a win over Ingolstadt. They lost the Eurobowl final to the New Yorker Lions by the slimmest of margins, 20-19. The week before, without their starting quarterback they lost 17-7 to the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns. after blanking the Stuttgart Scorpions 42-0 three weeks ago and downing Ingolstadt 40-26 the week before that.  They had started the GFL regular season by blanking the Munich Cowboys and overwhelming the Marburg Mercenaries 63-7. . Then they whipped France’s La Courneuve Flash 48-6 in the Big6 thus qualifying for the Eurobowl final for the second year in a row.  With all the coaches and players signed and on-field success so far, it seems that Frankfurt is weathering the financial storm that had engulfed them.

Next up: Allgau Comets, July 8.

Universe RB Joe Bergeron Photo: Karlheinz Herbert

6. AFC Dacia Vienna Vikings (8-2 AFL1; 0-1 Int.) – Austria (Last poll #6)

The Vikings have maintained their 6th place in our rankings after beating the Graz Giants 21-14 with the return of quarterback Garrett Safron. They had overwhelmed the Bratislava Monarchs 64-7 despite still missing starting Safron. They had fallen to #9  in our previous poll after losing in the Austrian Football League 24-21 to the Ljubljana Silverhawks. Last month, they were crushed by their arch rivals in Austria, the Swarco Raiders. Although they defeated the Modling Rangers 25-20 the week prior, Vienna was shocked by Finland’s Helsinki Roosters in early May at home in Charity Bowl XX., losing 41-37.  Prior to that the Vikings had jumped out to a 5-0 record in the Austrian Football League including a 35-28 win over the Swarco Raiders. In 2017, the Vikings enjoyed a resurgent year and finished back on top of the Austrian league, winning the Austrian title with a decisive victory over the Swarco Raiders. 

Next up: Austrian semifinals, July 7/8

Vikings WR Maurice Wappl Photo: PeterKramberger

7. Copenhagen Towers (5-0 DAFF; 3-0 NEFL) – Denmark (Last poll #7)

Denmark’s Copenhagen Towers are steady at #7 with lopsided wins in the Danish league after defeating Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders in a thriller 44-43 to win the Norther European Football League title. They had already climbed three spots in our previous ranking after overwhelming wins in the Danish American Football league. They started their rise in the rankings in April after whipping the Tamworth Phoenix 50-7  in NEFL play and winning two straight in Denmark. The Towers also traveled to Oslo, Norway in the Northern European Football League a month ago and defeated the Oslo Vikings  21-10. In 2017, the Towers won the Danish crown by dominating  the Sollerod Gold Diggers in Mermaid Bowl XXIX. 

Next up: Next up, Swarco Raiders, June 30.

Copenhagen Towers celebrating NEFL title win over Carlstad Crusaders Photo: Tommy Andersson

8. Potsdam Royals (4-3 GFL1; 3-0 EFL) – Germany (Last poll, #11)

The Royals have made another climb up the rankings, moving up from #11 this week following their two straight wins in the GFL beating both Hamburg and Kiel handily.. They recorded a thrilling 43-42 European Football League win over Italy’s Milano Seamen.  Five weeks ago, they defeated Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos 33-31.  They had knocked off the Berlin Rebels earlier in May. This  obviously had an impact on our coaches panel.  They opened their season with a 56-0 blowout win over the Hildesheim Invaders but then fell twice to the Dresden Monarchs 45-34.   Potsdam is playing in the German Football League for the first time in its history this season.

Next up: Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, July 1.

9. Berlin Rebels (4-2 GFL1) – Germany (Last poll, #16)

The Berlin Rebels have enjoyed the biggest rise in our poll moving up 7 spots to #9 after deafening wins over the New Yorker Lions and Cologne Crocodiles. Under head coach Kim Kuchi the Rebels look like they will  reach the playoffs again in 2018. In 2017, they lost in the German quarterfinals to eventual champions the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns but pushed the Unicorns to overtime. The club has signed a number of international stars including Lauri Vanio (Finland), Mamadou Sy (France), and Chris Smith (Netherlands) and will complete with the top GFL North clubs.

Next up: Cologne Crocodiles, August 5

10. Carlstad Crusaders (8-0 SAFF; 2-1 NEFL) – Sweden (Last poll #7)

The Carlstad Crusaders have held onto to their #10 spot. They had fallen three spots according to our coaches panel after being shocked at home 44-43 by Denmark’s Copenhagen Towers in the NEFL title game. Nevertheless, the Crusaders continue their dominance in the Swedish Superserien with another lopsided win, this time over the Uppsala 86ers, since our last poll. They had beated the Örebro Black Knights and Stockholm Mean Machines with relative ease. Five weeks ago the Crusaders comfortably handled British champions, the Tamworth Phoenix in NEFL action. The Crusaders remain undefeated in Sweden. Last month, Carlstad manhandled the Norwegian champion Oslo Vikings.

Next up: Uppsala 86ers, Swedish Semifinals, June 30.

Photo: Moses Sh

11. Dresden Monarchs (6-2 GFL2) – Germany (Last poll #9)

The Dresden Monarchs have dropped two spots after  losing to the New Yorker Lions last week 44-24. They had beaten Kiel after losing four weeks ago 30-7 to the Berlin Rebels. They rebounded to blank the lowly Hildesheim Invaders 35-0. The had marched out to a 4-0 record in the German Football League after manhandling the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes and Hamburg Huskies earning back-to-back wins over the previously undefeated Potsdam Royals. A perennial contender for the playoffs in Germany,the Monarchs finished 2017 as the #10 team in Europe after losing two of their last two games including the quarterfinal game to the Frankfurt Universe. 

Next up: Cologne Crocodiles, July 1.

The Panthers have fallen four spots in our coaches poll no doubt due to the news that they have lost their quarterback and top defensive back. They had previously climbed up two spots to #8 after rolling over the Bialystok Lowlanders 62-7.  The week before, they had thumped arch rivals, the Gdynia Seahawks 35-7. They had rebounded in the CEFL  earlier in May by downing the Prague Black Panthers 39-22.  Although that game was for pride alone, it helped atone for the lopsided 63-21 loss to Austria’s Swarco Raiders the week before. The result of that loss was the biggest drop in rankings thus far four weeks ago. Nevertheless the Panthers have now won six straight games in Poland’s LFA including two decisive wins over the Gdynia Swahawks. They won the 2017 Polish championship in dominant fashion. They surprised the Raiders in Central European Football League last year, forcing the Raiders to come from behind to win the game. The Panthers were undefeated in Poland and soundly beat Denmark’s Triangle Razorbacks in CEFL action.

Next up: Polish LFA Semifinals, July 7.

13. Milano Seamen (9-0 IFL; 2-1 EFL) – Italy (Last poll #13)

Italy’s defending champion Milano Seamen easily won their Italian semifinal game to reach the Italian championship game. The Seamen had suffered a heart-breaking loss to Germany’s Potsdam Royals in the EFL final following a fourth quarter collapse and with all the other shuffling in the Top 20, the coaches panel has moved them down to #13. They finished the regular season in Italy with two crushing wins over the UTA Pesaro (50-0) and the Milano Rhinos 49-12. Last month, Milano unleashed on the top team in France, the Thonon Black Panthers in EFL play, whipping them 49-3. The Seamen defeated the only other unbeaten team in Italy last week, the Parma Panthers in decisive fashion.  They also defeated the Badalona Dracs in EFL play.

Next up: Bolzano Giants, Italian Super Bowl, July 8.

Milano WR Xavier Mitchell scored 4 TDs vs Potsdam Royals Photo: Dario Fumagalli

14. Cologne Crocodiles (5-1-1 GFL1) – Germany (Last poll, #12)

The Crocodiles fell two spots after losing to the Berlin Rebels last week, their first loss in Germany this year. They had struggled somewhat in beating the winless Hamburg Huskies three weeks ago 43-28. They had won their two opening games beating the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes 32-14 and Potsdam Royals 42-41.and then tied the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes 22-22. They also trounced Holland’s Amsterdam Crusaders in an exhibition game. The Crocodiles finished just our of the playoffs in 2017 and look much improved this year.

Next up: Dresden Monarchs, July 1.

15. Calanda Broncos (10-0 SAFV; 1-1 EFL) – Switzerland (Last poll, #14)

The Calanda Broncos finished the regular season in Switzerland unbeaten after defeating the Winterthur Warriors, their semifinals opponent, 35-8. They had previously lost a heartbreaker to Germany’s Potsdam Royals 33-31. They have slid one spot in the opinion of our panel. The Broncos finished the Swiss season  with a 10-0 record and a points difference of 423-105. In April, they crushed Belgium’s Brussels Tigers 39-0 in European Football League play. They won the Swiss league in 2017 after recording a lopsided win in the championship game over the Basel Gladiators.

Next up: Winterthur Warriors, Swiss Semifinals, June 30.

Photo: Sergio Brunetti

16. Badalona Dracs (8-0 LNFA; 1-1 EFL) – Spain (Last poll, #15)

The Dracs have fallen one spot after barely winning the Spanish championship, the Spanish Bowl.  It was the first game all year they had been pushed by a Spanish team and they had to overcome a 19 point second half deficit to win.They had had an easier time in the playoffs with a convincing 48-0 semifinal win in the Spanish playoffs over Madrid’s Osos Rivas.They have previous won  their quarterfinal game in Spain 78-12 against the Gijon Mariners. They are 1-1 in EFL play after they recorded a stunning 37-20 victory over France’s leading team, the Thonon Black Panthers in EFL action a month ago.

Next up: Season complete.

17. Koc Rams (8-0 TFL; 2-1 CEFL) – Turkey (Last poll, #17)

Turkey’s defending champion, the Koc Rams lost in the CEFL Bowl final to Austria’s Swarco Raiders but have maintained their #17 ranking.They won their semifinal game in Turkey after finishing the Turkish regular season undefeated (a loss to the Yeditepe Eagles was erased when the Eagles were disqualified from the TFL) The Rams won both their CEFL games, overwhelming the Moscow Patriots 63-21 and outlasting Serbian champions, the Kragujevac Wild Boars  in CEFL action, beating them 47-41 in a shootout..

Next up: Bogazici Sultans, Turkish final, July 1.

18. Marburg Mercenaries (5-2 GFL1) – Germany (Last poll, #19)

The Marburg Mercenaries have risen one spot to #18 after winning three straight games with two different quarterbacks. Marburg surprised the league by stopping the high flying Allgau Comets 28-14 last week but had lost to the Kirchdorf Wildcats the week before. They had suffered a big slide in the rankings dropping six spots from #13 after being crushed by the Frankfurt Universe 63-7 last month. Marburg had opened their season by  whipping the Kirchdorf Wildcats 33-7 in German Football League play. Marburg reached the German quarterfinals where they lost to the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes. Marburg finished the year in the German Football League South with an 8-7 record marking the biggest improvement of any team in the league. For 2017, the Mercenaries signed Austria’s top domestic quarterback, Alexander Thury and dangerous receiver Peter Jinkens.

Next up: Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, June 30.

MARBURG QB/RB SILAS NACITA

19. Prague Black Panthers (8-0 CAAF; 0-2 CEFL) – Czech Republic (Last poll #18)

The Prague Black Panthers have slid one spot to #19 although they rolled through the Czech league undefeated. They have an amazing 456-54 points differential in 10 games. They had dropped a 39-22 decision to Poland’s Wroclaw Panthers, in the CEFL prior to that. The Black Panthers blanked the Pardubice Stallions 50-0 in the Czech league the week before. Prague dropped a 44-21 decision to Austria’s Swarco Raiders last month in CEFL play.

Next up: Brno Sigrs, Czech Semifinals, July 8.

20. Kragujevac Wild Boars (7-0 SAAF; 1-1 CEFL) – Serbia (Last poll #20)

The Kragujevac Wild Boars have held onto their #20 spot after running through the Serbian league undefeated. Last week they overwhelmed the Bor Golden Bears 35-0 and prior to that the Kikinda Mammoths 55-0. They were defeated by Turkey’s Koc Rams in CEFL play after first beating the Moscow Patriots 34-20.In 2017, they finished the Serbian season in style winning the championship game over the Novi Sad Dukes to defend their title. They also held their own against the Swarco Raiders in losing the Central European title game.

Next up: Indija Indians, Serbian Semifinals, June 30.

Photo: Igor Lazarevic

Honorable Mention: Bolzano Giants, Italy; La Courneuve Flash, France; Murcia Cobras, Spain; Graz Giants, Austria; SBB Vukovi Belgrade, Serbia; Parma Panthers, Italy; Allgau Comets, Germany; Thonon Black Panthers, France

To all photographers: If we have used one of your photos without a credit, it is usually because we could not find your name. Please let us know and we will fix and add linkbacks as well.

The post AFI’s Europe Top 20: 2018 Coaches Poll – June 30 appeared first on American Football International.

The 4-4 and second place Örebro Black Knights will be looking to reach their fourth Swedish championship final in five years when they take on the third place Stockholm Mean Machines (4-4) at Kumla IP. field, Sunday, July 1 in the Swedish semifinals.

The winner of this game will play the eight-time champion Carlstad Crusaders in the Swedish final. Interestingly, the last team to win the Swedish championship before Carlstad launched their run of eight straight was the Mean Machines.

The Black Knights won both games between the two teams during the regular season, but not by much, 29-26 in the first one and 40-35 the second time around.

In terms of points for and against, not much separated the two teams during the regular season. Örebro scored 232 in eight games but gave up 263. Stockholm meanwhile scored 238 and allowed marginally less, 245.

Anders Hermodsson of the Mean Machines was the 2nd leading passer with his 1,594  yards while Örebro quarterback Raleigh Yeldell III finished 5th in overall passing yardage with 1,235 yards.

Mean Machines WR Matthew Retzlaff finished as the leading receiver in Sweden after catching six passes for 161 yards and 2 TDs in the final regular season game of the year against the Black Knights. He finished with 810 yards. Mean Machines RB Emil Knutsson led the league in rushing finishing with 754 yards.

Johnny Grandin of the Örebro Black Knights wound up 2nd in rushing with 652 yards but new running back Gennadiy Adams has bolstered an already powerful run game. In the 40-35 Örebro win over Stockholm, he ran for 222 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie from Bemidji State was 2nd in the NCAA in rushing yards per carry in 2017 with 7.9  yards per carry and 1,372 rushing and receiving yards.

The game could well come down to Örebro’s powerful running game versus Hermodsson’s ability to find Retzlaff and keep the Black Knights front seven honest using his own feet while handing off to Knutsson.  In the final game between these two, Knutsson was held to 49 yards rushing while Adams rushed for 222, Yeldell 56 and Grandin 40.

Aaron Joseph, head coach of the Black Knights:

“We are very happy with our run game and there is no question it will be our focus today. Even though Johnny [Grandin] has done a great job for us this season, Gennadiy gives us even more options.”

This game could go either way.

Kickoff is 12:00 pm (6a EST) and the game is being broadcast live on CMore in Sweden (PPV) and shown in a tape delay as well.

Watch the game live (Pay per View) by clicking here.  It costs 99 Swedish kronor. The broadcast is “semi geo-restricted”. A Swedish credit/bank card is necessary. Click on the button that says “Standard Sport”. Then fill in your email address, name and password and click Skapa konto, Open account. Add your credit card number. You can choose two weeks for free “Prova 2 veckor gratis” or you can choose to watch a single  game. The game costs 99 Swedish kronor, or about $11 while a subscription is 199 kronor per month.

The post LIVESTREAM PPV: Swedish Semifinals – Stockholm Mean Machines @Örebro Black Knights, July 1, 12 noon (6a EST) appeared first on American Football International.

No matter what the outcome, another record will be broken Saturday July 7 when the Carlstad Crusaders travel to Stockholm Stadium to face the Stockholm Mean Machines in the 2018 Swedish championship game.

The Crusaders have won a record eight consecutive Swedish titles while Stockholm holds the overall record with 11 Swedish championships. So regardless of who wins the game, a new record will be set.

The last team before Carlstad to win the Swedish crown was the Mean Machines when they defeated Carlstad in the 2009 title game. In fact, Stockholm and Carlstad have played five previous championships against each other and the Mean Machines have won every one.

Carlstad enters the game as the overwhelming favorites but after last week’s scare in the semifinals, when they barely escaped with a win against the Uppsala 86ers, the heavy favorite tag might not fit as well. They needed a touchdown in the last minute of the game to defeat Uppsala 50-43. Meanwhile, Stockholm got a monkey off their backs in their semifinal last week by soundly beating the Orebro Black Knights 35-14, avenging two regular season losses to Orebro.

During the regular season, the Crusaders had no trouble handling Stockholm beating them 41-20 and 56-28.

However, Carlstad has been hard pressed in their last two games, losing in a shootout to the Copenhagen Towers in the NEFL final 44-43 and then barely beating Uppsala last week.

These are two offenses with plenty of weapons.

Carlstad Crusaders QB Philip Juhlin finished the year where he started as the top passing quarterback in Sweden with 2,180 yards and a league best 29 passing TDs.  Anders Hermodsson of the Stockholm Mean Machines wound up 2nd with his 1,594  yards.

Stockholm WR Matthew Retzlaff was the league’s top receiver after finishing with 810 yards. Robin Juhlin of the Crusaders finished 2nd, barely, with 808 yards while last year’s top wide receiver, Jacob Dahre of the Crusaders wound up 3rd with 562 despite missing the last game with an injury.

As he did all season, Stockholm Mean Machines RB Emil Knutsson led the league in rushing finishing with 754 yards.  Crusader’s QB Philip Juhlin finished in 5th spot with 308 yards and a league-best 10 TDs.

In other words, both offenses can score. Carlstad’s defense is led by linebackers Christian Kuylenstjerna and Mattias Eriksson who were second and third in tackling in the league and lead a formidable front seven. Defensive back Julius Rucker is a key factor for Carlstad as well. He was the third leading tackler on the team and led Sweden in interceptions with four including a pick six.

Stockholm linebacker Pontus Westman finished the year with 49 tackles leading his team while Trolle Geuna was second with 36.

Nevertheless, regular season stats have no bearing on playoff games when anything can happen.

When asked about the pressure of facing a team that has won the last eight titles, knowing that your team was the last to beat them in 2009, Stockholm head coach Fredrik Pilback did not pull his punches:

“It’s nice to be back where we belong. We do not feel any pressure at all. We have everything to win and Carlstad has everything to lose.”

Pilback knows his offense needs to perform to have a chance:

“The keys will be for our offense to score more than 30 points. Our special teams needs to be flawlessand our defense needs to stop Carlstad at least three times. And of course we need to stop their quarterback, Philip Juhlin.”

Stockholm has lost to Carlstad twice this year, but that could almost work in their favor:

Pilback:

“Absolutely. We haven’t been able to play all starters against Carlstad yet. Our coaching staff has now been able to prepare the team for the task.”

Carlstad head coach Tracey Gere:

“We are back here again on a journey we actually began a year ago. Right after last year’s final win over the Black Knights we started talking about coming back to win number nine. And here we are facing the last team to beat us and win 10 titles, the Mean Machines.”

Carlstad has faced adversity in their last two games for the first time this season and in almost three seasons. Losing to Copenhagen and then having to pull out a last minute victory over Uppsala tested Gere’s team:

“The game against Uppsala reminded me of the game against Copenhagen and it was almost the same result. But the offense had a little more time at the last minute and finished a last fantastic drive. I would never wish to give up 43 points but the experience of having to fight back is something that has not happened to us so many times and it’s good that we have had a couple of games this year where we had to face this kind of adversity. Now after several years without loss in Sweden, we talk pretty much before every game to not underestimate our opponent.  We don’t need that talk this week. We know we are facing a tough opponent.”

Kickoff is 1:00 pm (7a EST) and the game is being broadcast live on CMore in Sweden (PPV) and shown in a tape delay as well.

Watch the game live (Pay per View) by clicking here.  It costs 99 Swedish kronor. The broadcast is “semi geo-restricted”. A Swedish credit/bank card is necessary. Click on the button that says “Standard Sport”. Then fill in your email address, name and password and click Skapa konto, Open account. Add your credit card number. You can choose two weeks for free “Prova 2 veckor gratis” or you can choose to watch a single  game. The game costs 99 Swedish kronor, or about $11 while a subscription is 199 kronor per month.

The post LIVESTREAM: Swedish final – Carlstad Crusaders v. Stockholm Mean Machines, July 7, 1p (7a EST) appeared first on American Football International.

For the first time since 2010, there will be a new name on the Swedish championship trophy as the Stockholm Mean Machines stunned the Swedish American football community, beating the Carlstad Crusaders 42-41 in the Swedish championship final at Stockholm Stadion.

Behind a 28 point third quarter, Stockholm took a 42-28 lead into the fourth quarter and then held on as Carlstad mounted a furious comeback.

The issues that the Copenhagen Towers and Uppsala 86ers exposed in their recent close games with Carlstad, were apparent over a 13 minute stretch from the last minute of the second quarter to the end of the third quarter. Stockholm took full advantage scoring a touchdown with less than a minute left in the first half and then four in the third quarter. The Mean Machines defense scored two of the four third quarter touchdowns, while the offense continued where they left off at the end of the first half.

Despite finally responding with two fourth quarter touchdowns, Carlstad simply could not quite overcome the mistakes. The turnovers were costly with a fumble and an interception both leading to touchdowns. A missed point after attempt on their final touchdown with just over three minutes left in the game was ominous. Instead of tying the game and possibly forcing overtime, it forced Carlstad into a hurry up mode and they were never able to recover.

Stockholm WR Matt Retzlaff celebrating TD catch Photo: Yamamoto Shinji

Stockholm quarterback Anders Hermodsson, who has never lost a Swedish final, threw for 164 yards and three touchdowns and one interception. Game MVP Matt Retzlaff, who played both ways, scored three touchdowns, two on passes and one on a beautiful 49 yard end around. Damion Scanella also scored on a touchdown reception and was dangerous the entire game while Malcolm Engstrom ripped the ball out of the hands of Carlstad quarterback Philip Juhlin and raced 60 yards for a touchdown. Defensive back Peter Jungstedt picked off a Juhlin pass and returned it for a score.

For the Crusaders,  Juhlin threw for 334 yards and five touchdowns but ran into turnover problems with a pair of interception and a costly fumble. Jacob Dahre had 107 yards in receptions and a touchdown while Natal Melero caught two touchdown passes. A key factor in the game may have been the absence of Carlstad’s versatile defensive back Julius Rucker in the second half. Rucker scored the game-winning touchdown against the Uppsala 86ers in the semifinals.

Stockholm took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter as Hermodsson connected with Retzlaff. Carlstad responded as Juhlin found defensive lineman Josh Hill who was filling in a receiver to even the score at 7-7.

Stockholm QB Anders Hermodsson Photo: Stefan Akander

Then in patented Carlstad fashion, Juhin and the offense struck twice more in the second quarter opening up a 21-7 lead and looking like they would pull away.

But with less than a minute left in the first half, Hermodsson hit Reizlaff again for what would prove to be a crucial touchdown.

Hermodsson opened the third quarter by marching the Mean Machines on a three-play, 68 yard touchdown drive, finding Scanella for a 33 yard touchdown reception, tying the game and putting pressure on Carlstad.

Juhlin took one play on the very next series to restore the lead for Carlstad, hitting a streaking Melero for a 68 yard pass and run.

Stockholm would not go away though as Retzlaff equalized, turning an end around into a 49 yard touchdown run.

Again Juhlin marched his team, this time down to the Stockholm five yard line. That’s when the turnovers really started to take their toll as Juhlin fumbled and the Mean Machines recovered. Although, Stockholm managed to fumble it back , Juhlin lost control of the ball on the next series, still deep in Stockholm territory as Engstrom ripped the ball from his hands and raced 78 yards for the go ahead touchdown.

With the Mean Machines leading 35-28, Juhlin threw a pass right into the arms of Jungstedt standing at the Carlstad 28 and he made no mistake, taking it all the way back to give Stockholm a 42-28 lead.

Carlstad looked like they would regain the momentum. With 10 minutes left in the game Crusaders linebacker Christian Kuylenstjerna forced Knutsson to fumble and Carlstad recovered at Stockhjolm’s 32 yard line. Juhlin wasted no time as five plays later he hit Robin Juhlin for a touchdown pulling his team closer, 42-35. The point after barely bounced in though, a portent of things to come.

Carlstad QB Philip Juhlin Photo: Stefan Akander

The Crusaders then forced a three and out and mounted a drive from their own 21 yard line after a Hermodsson punt. Juhlin drove them to the Stockholm 36 yard line and then the Crusaders went to the trick play book. Robin Juhlin threw an option pass to Melero who sidestepped one defender and waltzed into the end zone. With three and a half minutes to go, Calrstad looked like they were surging.

Then they missed the PAT.

Despite recovering the onside kick and gaining great field position, Stockholm could not move the ball and Hermodsson threw an interception giving Carlstad another chance with two and a half minutes left.

That’s when the Mean Machines defense stepped up. Juhlin was unable to get his team moving and threw his second interception and Stockholm took over at their own 42 with a minute and a half left. Hermodsson drained a minute off the clock and punted down to the Carlstad 29 yard line with 23 seconds left.

The Mean Machines defense did the rest sacking Juhlin on the final play of the game and sending Stockholm into wild celebrations.

The irony of the situation was not lost on football observers in Sweden. Stockholm was the last team to beat Carlstad in the championship game before the eight year run, and the team that ended an almost decade-long reign.

The post Huge upset in Sweden! Stockholm Mean Machines knock off Carlstad Crusaders, capture Swedish title appeared first on American Football International.

Defending champions, Team Canada will open the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championships in Mexico City against Team Sweden, Saturday, July 14.

Canada is playing in its fifth World Junior Championship tournament and has won the title twice, in 2012 and again in 2016, beating the United States in the gold medal final both times. Canada reached the final in 2009 and 2014 but lost both of those games, again to Team USA.

This is the first time Sweden has competed in this tournament since 2012 when they finished ninth. They played Canada in the opening game that year as well losing 43-0. After losing to France in the consolation round, Team Sweden defeated Panama 54-20.

In the inaugural tournament in 2009, Sweden lost to Mexico and then defeated France before losing to Germany to finish eighth.

Canada qualified for the tournament as defending champions while Sweden’s route took them through wins over Finland and Denmark in 2017.

Many members of Team Canada’s roster stem from the U18 team that defeated the United States 44-26 in International Bowl IX earlier this year. Jalen Philpot was named MVP of the game after hauling in four passes for 115 yards and one touchdown. Along with his twin brother Tyson, who also scored a touchdown in that game, he is a formidable threat for Canada.

Sweden enter the game with a pair of excellent quarterbacks and an explosive threat of their own in Michael Cox Jr. Cox was the hero of the 2017 tournament and the Florida native presents a threat whether he plays receiver or quarterback. The likely starting quarterback, Dennis Isberg, was among the fastest players at Team Sweden’s recent training camp but is more of a drop back passer.

Nevertheless, it will be Canada’s speed that will put Team Sweden to the test. The Swedes will have to find a way to stay close early on so as not to lose confidence.

Watch the game live here with English play by play presented by Krown Countdown U, YareTV and American Football International.  Team Canada v. Sweden, July 14, 5p (6p EST, 12 midnight CEST)

The livestream feed is being provided by Maximo Avance. Registration is free.

The post LIVESTREAM: IFAF U19 World Junior Championship – Team Canada v. Team Sweden, July 14, 5p (6p EST, 12 midnight CEST) appeared first on American Football International.

In the third game on the first day of the IFAF U19 World Championship, the defending champions, Team Canada easily defeated Team Sweden 49-6 in Mexico City in a steady downpour.

Sweden was returning to the tournament for the first time since 2011, after missing the last two events.

The first touchdown came courtesy of Dylan Tabone (3), who opened the scoring at the 10 minute mark of  on Canada’s first offensive series. Tabone capped a drive which saw running back Freud Jean Ernst Cesar break for a 60 yard gain deep into Swedish territory.

Then Canada’s defense picked off Swedish quarterback Dennis Isberg on Sweden’s half of the field, but missed on a field goal attempt.

With Team Sweden unable to move the ball in the heavy rain, Canada’s Jalen Philpot (5) took a 19-yard jet sweep jet to the end zone for the second touchdown of the game. Still in the first quarter, Tabone added his second touchdown run to extend Canada’s lead to 21-0, still in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, backup quarterback Andreas Dueck (4) scored on a quarterback scramble from 31 yards out giving Canada a 28-0 lead. Then Dueck struck again, this time connecting with Carl Chabot on a 30 yard touchdown pass and when halftime rolled around, Canada led 35-0.

The second half saw a different Team Sweden take the field, as Isberg settled down somewhat. He hit Evin Tarborda for a 32 yard  pass down to Canada’s three yard line. Running back Saba Jarwalli then punched the ball in to put Sweden on the scoreboard, 35-6.

That was as close as Team Sweden came as first Glodin Mulali scored on a 76 yard run and then Lukas Boulanger connected with Kevens Clericus for a 42 yard touchdown making it 49-6.

The next game for the Canadians will be against Japan, who lost their game against Mexico,  while Sweden will face Australia, who succumbed to the United States.

Photo: Grecia RC

The post IFAF U19 World Championships: Canada rolls over Team Sweden appeared first on American Football International.

The real tests of the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championships in Mexico City will start Wednesday, July 18 after two lopsided wins and one slightly more even win in the opening round of the tournament.

The United States, two-time winners of the tournament, in 2009 and 2014, were simply too much for the Australians, as they blanked them 38-0.

Quarterback Alek Jacobs accounted for three touchdowns to pace the Americans, who are looking to win the gold after losing to Team Canada in the final of the 2016 tournament in Harbin, China.

Team USA overcame a string of errors and turnovers including a pair of lost fumbles to secure the win.

The Americans head into the second round to face the host team, Mexico. The Mexicans have always managed to step up their game on their home field and although Team USA are the favorites, Mexico could surprise.

To qualify for this game, Mexico defeated Team Japan 31-14, taking control a tight game in the second half to score 21 points and cruise to the win. This was the fifth meeting between these two teams since the inaugural tournament in 2009. Mexico now holds the edge having won three and tied one. Japan won the initial game in 2009.

Team Canada, the defending champions, rolled over Sweden in the opening round, racing out to a 35-0 halftime lead and then holding off the Swedes for a 49-6 victory. With the win, Canada moves on the play Team Japan, in the second round.

Japan and Canada have only faced each other twice before in the U19 World Championships. In 2009, Canada won a tight battle, coming away with a 38-35 win. The game was also close in 2012 but Canada prevailed 33-24 in the semifinals.

The two losers of the one-sided games, Australia’s Team Outback, and Sweden, will battle it out in the third game on Wednesday. These two countries have never faced each other before in international competition. Sweden has competed in two U19 World Championships (2009 & 2012) and Australia one (2016).

The schedule for Wednesday, July 18:

11 AM (12 Noon EST, 6 PM CEST)

Australia vs Sweden

2 PM (3 PM EST, 9 PM CEST)

Canada vs. Japan

5 PM (6 PM EST, 12 Midnight CEST)

USA vs Mexico 

The games will be livestreamed and presented by  Krown Countdown U, YareTV and American Football International. The livestream feed is being provided by Maximo Avance.

The post IFAF U19 World Championships heading into 2nd round appeared first on American Football International.

Team Sweden will try to recover from a 49-6 shellacking at the hands of the defending champions, Team Canada, when they face Australia’s Team Outback at Mexico City’s Olympic Stadium Wednesday, July 18, in the second round of the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championships.

Australia was shut out 38-0 by Team USA in the opening game of the tournament.

Sweden is making its third appearance in the IFAF U19 World Championships while this is Australia’s second trip.

Swedish quarterback Dennis Isberg will hopefully have overcome his opening game jitters. Facing relentless pressure from Canada’s front seven, and steady rain in the first half, Isberg had trouble finding his receivers. Not until the second half did he settle down, mounting a scoring drive. He hit Evin Tarborda for a 32 yard  pass down to Canada’s three yard line. Running back Saba Jarwalli then punched the ball in to put Sweden on the scoreboard, 35-6 early in the third quarter. The Swedes resorted to the run game which had more success with Jarwalli and Jonathan Gutstafsson gaining positive yardage, especially in the second half.

One of Sweden’s major offensive threats is Michael Cox Jr. who can play both quarterback and receiver. In the game against Canada, with Cox at receiver, Sweden had a hard time getting the ball into his hands. They will be looking to iron out those problems against Team Outback.

In this game, Australian quarterback Kade Dawson will not be facing the same pressure as he did against the United States. He is able to use his legs as well as his arm so the Swedish defense will have to be wary. Linebacker Alan Cooper leads a defense that can play extremely physical football.

Team Australia General Manager Michael Kerr:

The players and coaches are excited about possibility of ranking higher than any other Outback team prior, and are quietly confident of a win today, but at the same time remain focused on the job at hand – beating Sweden. I have had the privilege of watching Coach Chapman and his amazing coaching staff mold these young men into not just elite level football players, but true ambassadors for Gridiron Australia that we can all be proud of.

Coach Chapman:

I am very proud of these boys after their performance against USA and the work they have put in before and after that game. The team are well prepared, focused and believe in themselves. The boys have taken a professional approach to their preparation, which I expect will translate to a win today.

Watch the game live here presented by Krown Countdown U, YareTV and American Football International. Team Sweden v. Team Australia, July 18, 10 am (11 am EST, 5 pm CEST)

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Paced by two touchdowns from running back Jonathan Gustafsson, Team Sweden defeated Team Outback from Australia 19-6 in the second round of the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championships in Mexico City.

Gustafsson was a workhorse for Sweden who took a 13-0 halftime lead.

Quarterback Dennis Isberg threw a 31 yard touchdown pass to Klas Mazetti midway through the first quarter to open the scoring. Then on the second play of the second quarter, Gustaffson punched the ball in from the one yard line to add to the lead.

Australia clawed their way back into the game in the third quarter on a 79 yard run and looked to be pushing for more.

However, late in the game, Gustafsson was called upon time and again, working out of the “wildcat” formation and sealed the win with another short yardage touchdown midway through the fourth.

With the win, their first in this tournament since defeating Panama in 2012 to finish ninth, Sweden has qualified for the bronze medal game where they will face Team USA Sunday, July 22.

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Team USA will face Team Sweden in the bronze medal game for the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championships, July 22 at Mexico City’s Olympic Stadium.

This is an unusual position for Team USA. For the first time in the 10 year history of the U19 World Championships they will not be playing for the gold medal. For Sweden, this is the first time they have advanced to the medal round.

The United States opened the tournament with a convincing 38-0 win over Team Outback from Australia. But in the second round game, the Americans were stunned, losing to Mexico 33-6. That was the first time Team USA had ever lost to the Mexicans in the U19 World Championships.

Sweden dropped their opener when they were soundly beaten by Team Canada 49-6. But the Swedes rebounded against Australia defeating them 19-6 in a physical game. In that victory, Sweden relied on their run game with running back Jonathan Gustafsson rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Dennis Isberg threw a 31 yard touchdown pass to Klas Mazetti for the other score.

Team USA is led by quarterback Alek Jacobs who accounted for three touchdowns in the win over Australia. The powerful rushing attack of the Americans was also apparent in the opening day win with Treshaun Ward, Chaise Ellis (22) and Randy Rivera (3) leading the way. Ward scored the lone touchdown against Mexico.

3rd Quarter Score Update

– 6
– 30

WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/xCrSTRuEYt #EarnYourStars | #GoldMentality | #IFAFWCU19 pic.twitter.com/dGRMTwmk5p

— U.S. National Team (@USNFT) July 18, 2018

Both head coaches are aware of the significance of this game. Team USA head coach Matt Hennesy:

“The mark of the true character of a man is not when things are going easy; it’s when you face hardships, what do you do now? And that’s what we talked about. I think our kids will come back and respond well and win this bronze medal game.”

Andreas Ehrenreich, head coach of Team Sweden:

This is a huge game for us. It is really tough to know how good Team USA is until you face them. Athletically, they are better than we are. But we think we have a good game plan. We have to get a good start, this is so important mentally. If we can score first, some of the pressure will ease. But we have to stop their big plays like they had against Australia. And one of the biggest keys will be on the line of scrimmage. We have to play well on both sides of the line to have a chance.”

Watch the game live here with English play by play presented by Krown Countdown U, YareTV and American Football International.  Team USA v. Team Sweden, July 22, 1p (2p EST, 8p CEST)

The livestream feed is being provided by Maximo Avance. Registration is free.

There is a problem with the English language feed from Mexico.

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The 2018 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) European Championship tournament kicks off this weekend with six countries vying for the title.

Running from Sunday July 29 to August 4, and hosted by Finland, the tournament will feature Finland, Austria, France, Great Britain, Denmark and Sweden. The defending champions, Team Germany, are notably absent.

The European Championships for American Football have been held 13 times since 1983, most recently in 2014 in Austria when Germany defeated Austria in double overtime. Finland is the most successful country in the history of the ECs with five championships (1985, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000), four silver medals (1983, 1989, 1991, 2001) and two bronze medals (1987 and 2005). Finland finished fourth in the 2014 tournament held in Austria.

Germany has won three of the last four titles.

With the war between two IFAF factions which had been waged since 2015, it was questionable as to whether this tournament would include most of the top teams. However, the two recent CAS rulings first removing Tommy Wiking and then recognizing Richard MacLean as president of IFAF,have returned a semblance of unity to IFAF.  As a result, of the top four nations from the 2014 tournament, only Germany is missing.

Austria finished second in the 2014 tournament held in Austria, France was third and Finland fourth. Sweden and Denmark finished fifth and sixth respectively.

The Men’s European Championship Tournament has been played twice before in Finland, in 1987 and 1991.

In less than a week, a total of nine games will be played with the teams divided into two groups. One group consists of Finland, Great Britain and France while the other pits Sweden, Denmark and Austria against each other. The groups will play a round robin format with the group winners meeting in the final.

Austria, France pre-tournament favorites

Austria arrives as the pre-tournament favorites although France is a very close second.  Despite the fact that Team Austria has not played since that tournament in which they came within a hair of winning it, they have proven in the past eight years that they have improved. The Austrians finished third in the 2010 tournament but came close to beating the eventual champions, Team Germany, in group play. France were the silver medalists that year losing to Germany 26-10.

In the 2014 tournament, France finished third. However, the French team lost to Austria in group play rather decisively. Nevertheless, Team France, under head coach Patrick Esume defeated Germany 14-6 in the 2017 World Games in Poland. 

France and Austria are playing in separate groups and would have to be favorites to reach the gold medal final.

With Team Finland’s success over the years in the European Championships and the fact that they will be playing at home, they would have to be considered the dark horse. Finland finished fourth in the 2014 tournament losing to France in the bronze medal game. This year, they are playing in the same group as France so that game on August 2 could be decisive. Finland trounced Team Sweden in 2017, shutting them out 37-0.

Sweden defeated Denmark in the 2014 tournament to capture fifth place. Both teams played Team Poland in 2016 with Denmark barely getting by Poland 37-35. Sweden beat Poland that same year, 28-21.

Last year, Team Sweden were blanked 37-0 by Finland and then edged Great Britain 15-12.

However, in both those games, Sweden was without the services of their normal starting quarterbacks, Philip Juhlin and Anders Hermodsson. Juhlin is expected to play in this tournament.

Great Britain qualified after beating both the Czech Republic and Russia in a qualifying tournament in 2016.

2018 IFAF European Championship schedule (all of the games will be livestreamed and shown on American Football International):
Myyrmäki Sports Park, Vantaa,Finland:

Sunday July 29
3 pm: Denmark – Austria
7 pm: Finland – United Kingdom

Tuesday July 31
3 pm: Sweden – Denmark
7 pm: Great Britain – France

Thursday August 2
3 pm: Austria – Sweden
7 pm: France – Finland

Saturday August 4
11 am: 5th-6th
3 pm: Bronze medal game
7 pm: Gold medal game

The post 2018 IFAF European Championships set to kick off appeared first on American Football International.

Great Britain Lions head coach Michael Callan has announced the 45 man roster that he will take to Finland for the 2018 IFAF European Championship which kick off Sunday, July 29. The Lions originally went to camp

Callan:

“On behalf to the Great Britain Lions Men’s team, I am proud to officially announce the team that will be taking part in the 2018 European Group A Championships. It has been a long task to put this group together, but this is the group that we feel has given us the best opportunity to perform and succeed in Finland.

Every member of the 70+ IFAF roster made it very difficult to select and pare down to a travelling squad. Since the Group B tournament in Worcester, the work and effort of the whole squad has got us ready to play in the tournament. The staff would have loved to take everyone, but hard choices were required to be made to fit the squad limit. The 45 men that have been selected are ready to do the nation proud and represent Great Britain both on and off the field.  I would like to congratulate the players and staff for their tireless work.”

The London Warriors have the highest number of players on the squad with 11, followed by the London Blitz with seven and Tamworth Phoenix with six. The Bristol Pride, Bristol Aztecs, Merseyside Nighthawks, East Kilbride Pirates and Shropshire Revolution all have two players each on the team. Of the 20 teams contributing players, two are British university squads, Leeds Beckett University and Stirling University. There are five European club teams with players on the roster. The Helsinki Roosters (Finland), Carlstad Crusaders (Sweden), Schwabisch Hall Unicorns (German), Potsdam Royals (Germany) and La Queue-En-Brie Gladiatuers (Freance) all have one player each on the team.

The Great Britain Lions open the tournament on July 29 when they face the host team, Finland. They then take on Team France on July 31.  The IFAF European Championships wind up on Saturday August 4 with both the gold medal and bronze medal games as well as the game for fifth-sixth place.

Coaches and Staff

The post Great Britain Lions announce roster for 2018 IFAF European Championship appeared first on American Football International.

Team Sweden head coach Andreas Ehrenreich has announced his roster for the 2018 IFAF European Championships in Vantaa, Finland which kick off July 29.

Sweden has a gold, silver and bronze medal in the 13 tournaments that have been held since 1983. The Swedish national team won the European Championships in 2005 playing at home. Sweden defeated Team Germany in the gold medal final 16-7. The Swedish team captured the silver medal in 1997, losing to Finland 27-6. In 2001, Sweden beat Great Britain to win the bronze. In the 2014 tournament in Austria, which Germany won, Sweden finished fifth and in 1993 Sweden lost to Germany in the bronze medal game, to finish fourth.

The Swedes played two games in 2017 and two in 2016. Sweden lost to Team Finland 37-0 in 2017 in their annual grudge match but rebounded to defeat the Great Britain Lions 15-12. Notably, in both of those games, Sweden played without their two top quarterbacks, Philip Juhlin and Anders Hermodsson. Juhlin will be playing in this tournament. In the 2016 meeting between Sweden and Finland, the Finns also came out on top, beating Team Sweden 31-17. That year Sweden also defeated the Polish national team in Poland, 28-21.

Surprisingly, the Göteborg Marvels, who finished out of the playoffs in 2018, have contributed the most players to Team Sweden with eight. They are followed by both the Carlstad Crusaders and Orebro Black Knights with seven apiece and the champion Stockholm Mean Machines with six. Players from two Finnish teams, the Helsinki Roosters and Wasa Royals are on the roster. Wasa has two players while the Roosters have one. The Division 1 team, Solna-Täby is represented by two players while the Uppsala 86ers and Arlanda Jets have one each. Finally, City College of San Francisco has one player on the 36 man roster.

Sweden plays in a group with Austria and Denmark and opens the tournament on Tuesday, July 31 against Denmark. Team Sweden then faces Austria on August 2. The medal round games and game for fifth place are scheduled by Saturday, August 4.

Team Sweden Roster

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The last month has seen plenty of action and championships in Europe with an unprecedented number of position changes as AFI presents the 8th edition of the AFI Europe Top 20.Coaches Poll.

With their thrilling win in the Swedish championship game, beating the Carlstad Crusaders, the Stockholm Mean Machines have made the biggest climb up to #13. Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos won the Swiss title and moved from #15 to 11 while Germany’s Dresden Monarchs with their convincing play moved up three spots to #8 while both the Koc Rams from Turkey and Italy’s Milano Seamen advanced after winning championships.

AFI is proud to have the input of some of the best coaches in Europe on our  12 man panel which continues to grow. We’ve aggregated the choices of these top European coaches and executives and present them along with our own choices.

The AFI Coaches Poll is conducted bi-weekly throughout the European regular season using a panel of coaches from European clubs. The panel is chosen by election, country by country plus independents, from a pool of coaches who have indicated to the American Football International their willingness to participate. Each coach submits a Top 20 with a first-place vote worth 20 points, second place 19 and so on down to one point for 20th.

This week’s panel includes eight coaches from seven nations, many of whom lead teams in our poll and special football ambassador, Johannes Woudenberg:

• Stan Bedwell – HC Allgäu Comets (Germany)
• Dan Levy – HC Prague Black Panthers (Czech Republic)
• Dave Likins – DC Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (Germany)
• Nick Johansen – HC Wroclaw Panthers (Poland)
• Geoff Buffum – HC Calanda Broncos (Switzerland)
• Shuan Fatah – HC Swarco Raiders (Austria)
• Malik Jackson – HC Vukovi Belgrade (Serbia)
• Juha Hakala- HC Helsinki Roosters (Finland)
• Johannes Woudenberg – Ambassador at large (Holland)
• Kirk Mastromatteo – HC Warsaw Eagles (Poland)

We continually work to improve and always welcome your comments and insight.

If you are interested in being a part of the AFI Coaches Poll in 2018 please email contact@americanfootballinternational.com.

Now, for the rankings!

1. Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (9-0 GFL1) – Germany (Last poll #1)

The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns  had no trouble beating the Marburg Mercenaries 38-19 in their final game before the break and remain the number one ranked team in Europe according to our coaches panel. They had two easy wins over the Stuttgart Scorpions and Munich Cowboys. Prior to that, the Unicorns turned back the Frankfurt Universe 17-7 four weeks ago, their main challengers in the GFL South. They had opened the season with lopsided wins over the Munich Cowboys, Allgäu Comets, Stuttgart Scorpions, Kirchdorf Wildcats and Ingolstad Dukes. They are averaging 40.5 points a game while giving up 9.  The Unicorns started the year in top spot after last year’s German championship win over the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in German Bowl XXXIX. They finished the season undefeated with a 17-0 record. Until they are unseated, the Haller fans will continue to claim #1.

Next up: Frankfurt Universe, August 5.

Photo: Manfred Loffler

2. New Yorker Lions (7-1 GFL1; 3-0 Big6) – Germany (Last poll #2)

The New Yorker Lions have found their groove and just before the break downed the Potsdam Royals and Cologne Crocodiles handily. Despite dropping a close 24-21 decision to the Berlin Rebels two weeks ago, the Lions rebounded hammering the Dresden Monarchs 44-24 and thus retain their #2 ranking according to our coaches. The Lions won their fourth straight and sixth overall Eurobowl title, beating the #5 Frankfurt Universe 20-19. They had previously beaten both the Hamburg Huskies twice and the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes and Hildesheim Invaders. The Lions opened the season with a tight 10-6 win over the La Courneuve Flash from France in the Big6. They followed that up with a 60-0 trouncing of the Amsterdam Crusaders to qualify for the Eurobowl final.  The perennial challengers for both the number one spot in Europe and the German title were undone in the 2017 German championship game losing to the #1 ranked by a last second blocked field goal. 

Next up: Berlin Rebels, August 12.

3. Helsinki Roosters (8-0 SAJL;1-0 Int.) – Finland (Last poll #3)

The Roosters sit alone atop the Maple League standings with no challenger in sight. They have lopsided wins over the Porvoo Butchers, Tampere Saints and Kuopio Steelers since overwhelming the Seinäjoki Crocodiles 88-21. They had already defeated the second place Kuopio Steelers 55-26 earlier in the season. They overwhelmed the Porvoo Butchers thee weeks ago. They opened their season in Finland with a one-sided victory over their Maple Bowl opponents, the Wasa Royals, beating them 48-7. They had surprised everyone by beating the Dacia Vienna Vikings in Vienna four weeks ago, 41-37.  The shocker of a win under new/old head coach Juha Hakala put Finnish football back on the map. Last season, they defeated Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders to win the Northern European Football League (NEFL) title. AFI expects the Roosters to dominate 2018 in Finland’s SAJL and possibly beyond.

Next up: Seinäjoki Crocodiles, August 13.

Helsinki Roosters QB Brandon Connette Photo: Riku Flink

4. Swarco Raiders (10-2 AFL1; 3-0 CEFL; 1-0 Int.) – Austria (Last poll #4)

The Swarco Raiders won the Austrian Bowl in dramatic fashion, beating the Dacia Vienna Vikings 51-48 on a last second field goal. With that they have completed a historic season winning the CEFL/NEFL Superfinal over Denmark’s Copenhagen Towers. They captured their 2nd straight CEFL Bowl title beating the Koc Rams from Turkey. The week before they defeated the Ljubljana Silverhawks in Austria. In fact, all year they have played outstanding football crushing the Dacia Vienna Vikings and then beating Central College (NCAA Div. III) and the Modling Rangers. The Raiders now occupy top spot in the Austrian Football League. Swarco had demolished the Wroclaw Panthers from Poland, previously Europe’s #6 team and have looked impressive midway through the Austrian season.

Next up: Season completed. Won Austrian title.

5. Frankfurt Universe (6-1 GFL1 2-1 Big6) – Germany (Last poll #5)

The Frankfurt Universe remain in our Top 5 after a 66-7 whipping they handed to the Allgau Comets and improving their record in the GFL to 6-1. They lost the Eurobowl final to the New Yorker Lions by the slimmest of margins, 20-19. The week before, without their starting quarterback they lost 17-7 to the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns. after blanking the Stuttgart Scorpions 42-0 three weeks ago and downing Ingolstadt 40-26 the week before that.  They had started the GFL regular season by blanking the Munich Cowboys and overwhelming the Marburg Mercenaries 63-7. . Then they whipped France’s La Courneuve Flash 48-6 in the Big6 thus qualifying for the Eurobowl final for the second year in a row.  With all the coaches and players signed and on-field success so far, it seems that Frankfurt is weathering the financial storm that had engulfed them.

Next up: Munich Cowboys, July 28.

6. AFC Dacia Vienna Vikings (9-3 AFL1; 0-1 Int.) – Austria (Last poll #6)

The Vikings hang on to their 6th place in our coaches poll despite losing in the Austrian Bowl, 51-48 to the Swarco Raiders. With the return of starting QB Garrett Safron late in the season, they rebounded with a semifinal win over the Graz Giants after beating the Giants 21-14 in the last game of the regular season. They had overwhelmed the Bratislava Monarchs 64-7 despite still missing starting Safron. They had fallen to #9  in a previous poll after losing in the Austrian Football League 24-21 to the Ljubljana Silverhawks. Last month, they were crushed by their arch rivals in Austria, the Swarco Raiders. Although they defeated the Modling Rangers 25-20 the week prior, Vienna was shocked by Finland’s Helsinki Roosters in early May at home in Charity Bowl XX., losing 41-37.  Prior to that the Vikings had jumped out to a 5-0 record in the Austrian Football League including a 35-28 win over the Swarco Raiders. In 2017, the Vikings enjoyed a resurgent year and finished back on top of the Austrian league, winning the Austrian title with a decisive victory over the Swarco Raiders. 

Next up: Season completed. Austrian runner-ups.

7. Berlin Rebels (6-2 GFL1) – Germany (Last poll, #9)

The Berlin Rebels have moved up 2 spots to #9 after deafening wins over the New Yorker Lions and Cologne Crocodiles. Under head coach Kim Kuchi the Rebels look like they will  reach the playoffs again in 2018. In 2017, they lost in the German quarterfinals to eventual champions the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns but pushed the Unicorns to overtime. The club has signed a number of international stars including Lauri Vanio (Finland), Mamadou Sy (France), and Chris Smith (Netherlands) and will complete with the top GFL North clubs.

Next up: Cologne Crocodiles, August 5

Photo: Fabian Uebe.

8. Dresden Monarchs (8-2 GFL2) – Germany (Last poll #11)

The Dresden Monarchs have climbed 3 spots after convincing wins over the Cologne Crocodiles and Hamburg Huskies. They had slid down the rankings  after losing to the New Yorker Lions 44-24. They had beaten Kiel after losing four weeks ago 30-7 to the Berlin Rebels. They rebounded to blank the lowly Hildesheim Invaders 35-0. The had marched out to a 4-0 record in the German Football League after manhandling the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes and Hamburg Huskies earning back-to-back wins over the previously undefeated Potsdam Royals. A perennial contender for the playoffs in Germany,the Monarchs finished 2017 as the #10 team in Europe after losing two of their last two games including the quarterfinal game to the Frankfurt Universe. 

Next up: Berlin Rebels, August 12.

9. Copenhagen Towers (6-0 DAFF; 3-1 NEFL) – Denmark (Last poll #7)

Denmark’s Copenhagen Towers have dropped down the rankings after losing decisively to the Swarco Raiders in the CEFL/NEFL Superfinal. They had previously notched lopsided wins in the Danish league after defeating Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders in a thriller 44-43 to win the Norther European Football League title. They had already climbed three spots in our previous ranking after overwhelming wins in the Danish American Football league. They started their rise in the rankings in April after whipping the Tamworth Phoenix 50-7  in NEFL play and winning two straight in Denmark. The Towers also traveled to Oslo, Norway in the Northern European Football League a month ago and defeated the Oslo Vikings  21-10. In 2017, the Towers won the Danish crown by dominating  the Sollerod Gold Diggers in Mermaid Bowl XXIX. 

Next up: Next up, Sollerod Gold Diggers, August 24.

10. Milano Seamen (12-0 IFL; 2-1 EFL) – Italy (Last poll #13)

Italy’s newly crown champions, the Milano Seamen have had an incredible season going undefeated in the Italian league and winning two of three games in the European Football League. The Seamen had suffered a heart-breaking loss to Germany’s Potsdam Royals in the EFL final following a fourth quarter collapse and with all the other shuffling in the Top 20, the coaches panel has moved them up to #10. They finished the regular season in Italy with two crushing wins over the UTA Pesaro (50-0) and the Milano Rhinos 49-12. Last month, Milano unleashed on the top team in France, the Thonon Black Panthers in EFL play, whipping them 49-3. The Seamen defeated the only other unbeaten team in Italy last week, the Parma Panthers in decisive fashion.  They also defeated the Badalona Dracs in EFL play.

Next up: Season completed. Won Italian title.

11. Calanda Broncos (12-0 SAFV; 1-1 EFL) – Switzerland (Last poll, #15)

The Calanda Broncos won  their 2nd straight Swiss title beating the Geneva Seahawks 44-12  after finishing the regular season in Switzerland unbeaten.  Our coaches panel has moved them up four spots. They had previously lost a heartbreaker to Germany’s Potsdam Royals 33-31. The Broncos finished the Swiss season  with a 10-0 record and a points difference of 423-105. In April, they crushed Belgium’s Brussels Tigers 39-0 in European Football League play. They won the Swiss league in 2017 after recording a lopsided win in the championship game over the Basel Gladiators.

Next up: Season completed. Won Swiss title.

Photo: Sergio Brunetti

12. Koc Rams (8-0 TFL; 2-1 CEFL) – Turkey (Last poll, #17)

Turkey’s Koc Rams defended their title after beating the Bogazici Sultans 52-21 earning them a steep climb up the rankings. The Rams lost in the CEFL Bowl final to Austria’s Swarco Raiders. They won their semifinal game in Turkey after finishing the Turkish regular season undefeated (a loss to the Yeditepe Eagles was erased when the Eagles were disqualified from the TFL) The Rams won both their CEFL games, overwhelming the Moscow Patriots 63-21 and outlasting Serbian champions, the Kragujevac Wild Boars  in CEFL action, beating them 47-41 in a shootout..

Next up: Season completed. Won Turkish title.

13. Carlstad Crusaders (10-0 SAFF; 2-1 NEFL) – Sweden (Last poll #10)

The Carlstad Crusaders fell three spots after losing the Swedish championship for the first time in a decade, losing to the Stockholm Mean Machines 42-41.  They had barely survived their semifinal game against the Uppsala 86ers. They had fallen three spots according to our coaches panel after being shocked at home 44-43 by Denmark’s Copenhagen Towers in the NEFL title game. Nevertheless, the Crusaders continue their dominance in the Swedish Superserien with another lopsided win, this time over the Uppsala 86ers, since our last poll. They had beated the Örebro Black Knights and Stockholm Mean Machines with relative ease. Five weeks ago the Crusaders comfortably handled British champions, the Tamworth Phoenix in NEFL action. The Crusaders remain undefeated in Sweden. Last month, Carlstad manhandled the Norwegian champion Oslo Vikings.

Next up: Season completed. Swedish runner-ups.

Crusaders QB Philip Juhlin Photo: Mike Ashton

13. Stockholm Mean Machines (6-4 SAFF) – Sweden (Last poll, unranked)

The Stockholm Mean Machines stunned the Swedish and European football communities by upsetting the eight-time Swedish champions, the Carlstad Crusaders 42-41, to win their first title since 2009. Ironically, Stockholm was the last team to win the Swedish crown before Carlstad began their streak. The Mean Machines finished the regular season with a 4-4 record, but in the playoffs found another gear with a convincing 35-14 win over the Örebro Black Knights. Still, after losing to Carlstad badly in both previous meetings this year, their championship win came as a surprise. They have made the biggest rise in the polls of any team.

Next up: Season completed. Won Swedish title.

Photo: Stefan Akander

15. Potsdam Royals (4-5 GFL1; 3-0 EFL) – Germany (Last poll, #8)

The Royals have suffered the steepest drop in the rankings after losing two in a row, once to the New Yorker Lions and then being shut out 14-0 by the lowly Hildesheim Invaders. Previously, they had climbed up the rankings, moving up  following their two straight wins in the GFL beating both Hamburg and Kiel handily.. They recorded a thrilling 43-42 European Football League win over Italy’s Milano Seamen.  Five weeks ago, they defeated Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos 33-31.  They had knocked off the Berlin Rebels earlier in May. This  obviously had an impact on our coaches panel.  They opened their season with a 56-0 blowout win over the Hildesheim Invaders but then fell twice to the Dresden Monarchs 45-34.   Potsdam is playing in the German Football League for the first time in its history this season.

Next up: Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, August 4.

The Panthers have fallen another four spots in our coaches poll after losing in the Polish championship to the Bialystok Lowlanders 14-13. They had lost lost their starting quarterback and key defensive back who left the team late in the season. They had previously beaten the Lowlanders 62-27.  The week before, they had thumped arch rivals, the Gdynia Seahawks 35-7. They had rebounded in the CEFL  earlier in May by downing the Prague Black Panthers 39-22.  Although that game was for pride alone, it helped atone for the lopsided 63-21 loss to Austria’s Swarco Raiders the week before. The result of that loss was the biggest drop in rankings thus far four weeks ago. Nevertheless the Panthers have now won six straight games in Poland’s LFA including two decisive wins over the Gdynia Swahawks. They won the 2017 Polish championship in dominant fashion. They surprised the Raiders in Central European Football League last year, forcing the Raiders to come from behind to win the game. The Panthers were undefeated in Poland and soundly beat Denmark’s Triangle Razorbacks in CEFL action.

Next up: Season completed. Polish runner ups.

17. Prague Black Panthers (8-0 CAAF; 0-2 CEFL) – Czech Republic (Last poll #19)

The Prague Black Panthers completed an unbeaten season in the Czech league by decisively beating the Ostrava Steelers in the title game 30-7. They have advanced two spots in our rankings after a season which saw them achieve a  an amazing 456-54 points differential in 10 games. They had dropped a 39-22 decision to Poland’s Wroclaw Panthers, in the CEFL prior to that. The Black Panthers blanked the Pardubice Stallions 50-0 in the Czech league the week before. Prague dropped a 44-21 decision to Austria’s Swarco Raiders last month in CEFL play.

Next up: Season completed. Won Czech title.

18. Badalona Dracs (8-0 LNFA; 1-1 EFL) – Spain (Last poll, #16)

The Dracs have fallen a couple of spots in the view of our coaches after barely winning the Spanish championship, the Spanish Bowl.  It was the first game all year they had been pushed by a Spanish team and they had to overcome a 19 point second half deficit to win.They had had an easier time in the playoffs with a convincing 48-0 semifinal win in the Spanish playoffs over Madrid’s Osos Rivas.They have previous won  their quarterfinal game in Spain 78-12 against the Gijon Mariners. They are 1-1 in EFL play after they recorded a stunning 37-20 victory over France’s leading team, the Thonon Black Panthers in EFL action a month ago.

Next up: Season complete. Won Spanish title.

19. Kragujevac Wild Boars (9-0 SAAF; 1-1 CEFL) – Serbia (Last poll #20)

The Kragujevac Wild Boars have held onto their #20 spot after running through the Serbianleague undefeated. Last week they overwhelmed the Bor Golden Bears 35-0 and prior to that the Kikinda Mammoths 55-0. They were defeated by Turkey’s Koc Rams in CEFL play after first beating the Moscow Patriots 34-20.In 2017, they finished the Serbian season in style winning the championship game over the Novi Sad Dukes to defend their title. They also held their own against the Swarco Raiders in losing the Central European title game.

Next up: Season complete. Won Serbian title.

20. Marburg Mercenaries (5-3 GFL1) – Germany (Last poll, #18)

The Marburg Mercenaries have fallen two spots after losing their last game before the break, decisively to the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns, 38-19. They had previously won three straight games with two different quarterbacks. Marburg surprised the league by stopping the high flying Allgau Comets 28-14 last week but had lost to the Kirchdorf Wildcats the week before. They had suffered a big slide in the rankings dropping six spots from #13 after being crushed by the Frankfurt Universe 63-7 last month. Marburg had opened their season by  whipping the Kirchdorf Wildcats 33-7 in German Football League play. Marburg reached the German quarterfinals where they lost to the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes. Marburg finished the year in the German Football League South with an 8-7 record marking the biggest improvement of any team in the league. For 2017, the Mercenaries signed Austria’s top domestic quarterback, Alexander Thury and dangerous receiver Peter Jinkens.

Next up: Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, June 30.

Marburg QB/RB Silas Nacita

Honorable Mention: Białystok Lowlanders, Poland; Bolzano Giants, Italy; La Courneuve Flash, France; Murcia Cobras, Spain; Graz Giants, Austria; SBB Vukovi Belgrade, Serbia; Parma Panthers, Italy; Allgau Comets, Germany; Thonon Black Panthers, France

To all photographers: If we have used one of your photos without a credit, it is usually because we could not find your name. Please let us know and we will fix and add linkbacks as well.

The post AFI’s Europe Top 20: 2018 Coaches Poll – July 28 appeared first on American Football International.

Team Sweden will take on neighboring Team Denmark in the opening game of the second round of games in the 2018 IFAF European Championships in Vantaa, Finland, July 31.

Denmark lost their tournament opening game to Austria 40-15 after trailing by only five points heading into the final quarter. Sweden is playing in their first game of the tournament. The last time Sweden and Denmark faced each other was in the 2014 tournament in the game for fifth place. Sweden came out on top in that game, beating Denmark 24-17.

This is only the second time Denmark has competed in the European Championships. They first competed against the top teams in Europe in the 2014 European Championship held in Austria.  In that tournament, Denmark finished sixth after dropping both their group games against Austria and France by lopsided scores. They lost their final game to Sweden and finished sixth.

Sweden has a gold, silver and bronze medal in the 13 tournaments that have been held since 1983. The Swedish national team won the European Championships in 2005 playing at home. Sweden defeated Team Germany in the gold medal final 16-7. The Swedish team captured the silver medal in 1997, losing to Finland 27-6. In 2001, Sweden beat Great Britain to win the bronze. In the 2014 tournament in Austria, which Germany won, Sweden finished fifth and in 1993 Sweden lost to Germany in the bronze medal game, to finish fourth.

The Swedes played two games in 2017 and two in 2016. Sweden lost to Team Finland 37-0 in 2017 in their annual grudge match but rebounded to defeat the Great Britain Lions 15-12. Notably, in both of those games, Sweden played without their two top quarterbacks, Philip Juhlin and Anders Hermodsson. Juhlin will be starting in the game against Denmark. In the 2016 meeting between Sweden and Finland, the Finns also came out on top, beating Team Sweden 31-17. That year Sweden also defeated the Polish national team in Poland, 28-21.

The last time Team Denmark took the field was against the Polish national team in 2016. In that game, Denmark came away with a 37-35 win, 

In the loss to Austria, Danish starting quarterback  Jakob Karkov threw for 214 yards and a pair of touchdowns, both to Aske Troen Klixbüll who caught seven passes for 46 yards. Thomas Mikkel Ashworth had 108 yards receiving on five catches. But Denmark could not establish a running game with a total of 32 yards rushing with starting running back Lasse Lykke held to only 14 yards for the game. Danish head coach Lars Carlsen will have to find a way to get his ground game going.

Defensively, Denmark had trouble in their loss against Austria against the run especially when Austria’s quarterback, Alexander Thury, chose to use his legs. He rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns against Denmark.

With Philip Juhlin starting at quarterback, Sweden’s offense will be potent. Juhlin can use his legs effectively and has been the leading passer for the past three years in the Swedish Superserien. At running back is Emil Knutsson who led the league in rushing this year. The receiving corps includes Juhlin’s teammate with the Carlstad Crusaders, Jacob Dahre who can give corners matchup problems with his size. Johannes Lindeus had a breakout year in 2018 in Sweden and will also be a threat at wide receiver.

Defensively, Sweden’s front seven is anchored by linebacker Filip Jönsson while veteran defensive back Philip Minja adds experience in the secondary.

Watch the game live presented by American Football International in partnership with Mobile-TV and YareTV. The stream is geo-blocked in Austria and Germany, but available on-line to the rest of our worldwide audience.

2018 IFAF European Championships: Team Sweden v. Team Denmark, July 31, 4p (3p CEST, 9a EST, 6a PDT)

The post LIVESTREAM: 2018 IFAF European Championships – Team Sweden v. Team Denmark, July 31, 4p (3p CEST, 9a EST, 6a PDT) appeared first on American Football International.