Defense Leads Crusaders to Title Town

The 2011 Swedish Super Series Final provided the Carlstad Crusaders, the 4th ranked team in Europe, to flex their muscles in front of 1,500 screaming fans in Uppsala on Saturday. After trading wins with the Tyreso Royal Crowns, ranked second in Sweden, and after both squads won easily in the semi-final it seemed that the matchup between these two teams would be highly contested. That wasn't the case in this SM final. The Crusaders Offense scored early while the Defense put a stranglehold on the Crowns offense that allowed them 7 first downs and 74 yards of total offensive output on the whole day.

The game kicked off with plenty of excitement in the air after an honorary coin toss and the event being broadcasted live in Sweden. The Crusaders started at their own 45 yard line after a healthy return. The offense went right to work. The big offensive line dominated the Crowns front early and often creating holes for last year's player of the year, RB Christian Forsman, and this year's import of the year, QB Eli Cranor to blow through the defense. On second down from the Crown 33 Eli Cranor called and executed to perfection a pass play giving 17 year old superstar WR Robin Juhlin a chance to outrace the middle line backer, spin off a tackle from the safety, and outrun two others on his way to the score zone. Juhlin led all receivers in the game with 6 catches for 51 yards and the lone score. The Crusaders defense started just as hot offering the Crowns 6 yards in 3 plays and 34 yard punt return bringing the ball back to the Crusaders 44 yard line. The second 55 yard drive began with an offensive pass interference which would begin the only element that would have a chance to slow the Crusaders on the day, penalties. 12 penalties for 148 yards negated big play after big play in this Championship and kept the Crusaders from riding away with this game on several occasions. The Crusaders came to a 4th down when Eli escaped the pocket and launched a ball up to breakout star of the Super Series WR Fredrik Isaksson. Fred Ice avoided the corner who was in close pursuit and climbed the ladder against the safety earning a highlight for the ages on the grand stage, a 35 yard touchdown catch was the first of many big plays that led him to be voted the Most Valuable Player of the game.

After being up 14-0 the Crusaders went for the jugular. Head Coach Tracey Gere called a surprise onside which was executed to perfection by Kicker Victor Jonsson. The gaping hole in the Crowns kick return was exploited and the Crusaders had the ball again. A coaching staff puts in many hours of preparation for a single game and sometimes the game plan doesn't always work. For this final Tracey Gere, in combination with myself and Eli, developed and installed a thought out and in depth plan for both offense and defense that had this club prepared for any and all situations that could arise. This was evidenced by our team's ability to run the ball at will, rushing for 250 yards, after having thrown for over 300 yards and 6 touchdowns just 7 days before in the semi-final. Rushing was something that we have focused on primarily for the Crowns. Having the ability to run amok on this day proved crucial, because the Crowns pass defense played great.

The drive stalled after a missed call on a Fred Ice catch on 3rd and 9 which was ruled incomplete unbeknownst to Eli who thought it was still 3rd down following the decline of a penalty instead of what the situation actually was, 4th down. As a result, the Champs turned it over on downs. This didn't matter to the Crusaders defense who gave up just 4 yards after 3 plays and a new punt. The stout Carlstad defense that held the German defending Champions to 14 points back in April was in full outfit during the game. Tracey Gere's complex setup of a defense that is constantly in motion, similar to that of the Green Bay Packers, attacking the backfield from unknown angles, and having the ability to bring pressure while deploying a spiderweb of coverage made for a long and frustrating day for the Crowns.

The second quarter went back and forth. The Crowns increased their output to 18 plays and 37 yards for the first half including two more punts and our two way star Fred Ice's interception from the safety position. The Crusaders offense was hounded by mistakes in the second quarter giving up the ball on downs, per a fumble, and to interception in it's three possessions each time after pushing the ball within the Tyreso 30 yard line.

The second half kicked off with the Crusaders utilizing their athletic ability to make plays. A short kickoff failed to be caught by the return squad. The Crusaders pounced on the ball and started the second the same way as the first, on offense. The Offense overcame two holding penalties on the drive with a first down toss to Christian Monclair, and two big Christian Forsman runs bringing the ball to first and goal at the Crown 4 yard line. A personal foul penalty Robin Juhlin backed the Crusaders up keeping them out of the end zone after a Cranor pass was intercepted on 4th and goal from the 21 yard line, made worse by a personal foul after the play was over.

The Crowns took advantage of the opportunity by lining up in a new formation from their own 41 that gave them the chance to easily attack the defense's left or right. The first play was the biggest of the day, the Crowns running back raced for 18 yards bringing the ball across midfield for the first time in the game. Tracey quickly adjusted the defense's strategy immediately suffocating the offense of the Crown, a wise and well timed decision by the head man of the Crusaders. Not only prior to the game, but during the game Tracey had the wherewithal to stump the offense of the Crown and deny their advances. The Crowns converted on one 4th down, but their second attempt fell short turning the ball back over to the home team. The Crusaders found it difficult to move the ball, and a false start penalty on 3rd and 3 made matters worse. The next play had the ability to turn the tide for the Crowns, Eli Cranors attempt to make yet another play was not to be, as the Crown defense intercepted his pass and returned it all the way back to the 2 yard line. Starting from the 2 was the only place that the Crowns found success during the game pounding the ball across in one play with 11:37 left in the game.

Momentum stayed with the Crowns as the next possession ended after 3 plays and an Eli Cranor punt of 40 yards. The defense once again was stifling giving up 1 first down on 2 plays and 4 incomplete passes followed by another Crowns punt. With just over 9 minutes left in the game the Crusaders offense re-energized. Moving the ball on the run early in the drive by Eli and Christian Forsman setup the play action pass. On 3rd and 3 standout WR Fredrik Eklund sprinted past the defense and for the second time in the game was grabbed from behind as the ball headed his way. The interference penalty kept the drive alive and Eli and Forsman took turns once again finishing off runs that brought the ball to first and goal at the 4 of the Crowns. Eli ran the ball 2 times, the second time called a touchdown by the refs shooting the Champions up by 2 scores with 3 minutes left in the game. 2 plays later the MVP Fred Ice tagged his second interception on the day leaving the Crusaders one first down away from title town. Three runs later the Crusaders found themselves ahead of the clock with enough plays to finish with a couple of kneel downs and a subsequent rushing of the field preceded by a well deserved ice water bath for the man both behind and at the front of the Crusaders (Tracey also starts at safety), Head Coach Tracey Gere.

The penalties and the turnovers were overcome by an offense that had the resolve to continue to fight despite the mistakes. The mark of this 2011 Championship squad was that it could stare adversity in the face and laugh, as was the case this past Saturday. The Crusaders rushed for 250 yards as a team, 143 from Forsman, and 106 by Eli. The 2 touchdown passes in the first quarter was enough for the Crusaders defense to sit behind and barricade a win. 74 total yards allowed is one of the most astounding performances by a defense in a championship victory that I have ever heard of. The day belonged to the whole bunch of Crusaders and their supporters. This classy bunch of deserving individuals have been a pleasure for my wife Mary and I to have met, and we are most grateful for every second that we have enjoyed being a part of this wonderful family, and Back to Back Champs, the Carlstad Crusaders.

Full game statistics can be found by following this link: Crusaders v. Crowns, and an online replay of the game provided by tv10 may be to follow, check back soon.

Super Series Final Preview

The Swedish Super Series has been chalked full of great matchups throughout the summer season. Each team played a home and away schedule and the top two teams had set themselves apart from the competition by 2 weeks prior to the regular season finishing. The semi-final was no different as each of the top teams scored over half a hundred and held their opponents to much less. Now we are set with the top ranked Carlstad Crusaders and the second ranked Tyreso Royal Crowns meeting up for the title in Uppsala, Sweden on Saturday for the second time in as many seasons. The neutral site at Studenternas IP will be electric with plenty of media attention closely following this matchup including a live national broadcast that can be viewed in Sweden.

Neither team is new to this game being the 9th final for the Crusaders and the 4th for the Crowns, but both clubs have had a history of disappointment on championship Saturday. The Carlstad Crusaders won the game against the Crowns last season by a score of 37-15 which was the first championship in the history of the club. They had lost 7 finals in 8 seasons prior to that "monkey off the back" win in Karlstad. Repeating as champions has been a goal of this club since the beginning of the season and since being beaten out of the EFL tournament in early May it has been the sole focus. For the Royal Crown, they also boast a solo championship victory in this league having won on the last play of the game in 2001 beating the Stockholm Mean Machine 30-25. They have lost in this game 2 times including last season.

As for the teams playing in this year's final there is not much parity to speak of. The teams split the regular season matchups each winning at home. The Crusaders by 6 in the season opener, and the Crown by 9 in the season finale. As mentioned previously both teams stormed into the final by blowing away the competition in the semi-final. Both teams offer exciting offenses with many big time players at all the skill positions. The Crusaders are led by 2011 Import of the year Eli Cranor at QB and he is surrounded by league leaders in receiving and scoring in WR Fredrik Eklund and RB Christian Forsman. WR Fredrik Isaksson has developed tremendously over the summer to become a true threat in this Super Series proved by his 178 yards and 3 TDs in the semi-final. The Crusaders also have the most physical and skilled offensive line in the league only helping this bunch of athletes display their power. The Crowns, in the same vein, have Canadian Terry Smith at the helm who took over in the second half of the season and his team hasn't lost a game since. His precision and presence as a passer makes him very difficult to defend. WR Carl Kamm has been a terror on the outside all season and recently returned from injury WR Johan Ingerman helps the Crown offense, possibly the most quick strike offense in the league, to have a double deep threat. The most dynamic running back in the series Hampus Hellermark will attempt to get loose on the Crusaders defense, if he can reach the second level his speed is as good if not better than anybody in the Carlstad secondary. The defense of the Crusaders relies heavily on the massive attack brought by the front 6 players who have been disaster for offenses both in Sweden and the two clubs that faced them in Germany and Austria. The secondary has been diminished by injury, but having two defensive coaches has kept this unit afloat as each have played in the secondary and taught others to fill in roles surrounding the missing players. The Crown defense has a very dynamic and athletic group of players in the backfield. They have had the ability to bring pressure in many instances and play matchup coverage that keeps opposing offenses at bay. They will need to find ways to make plays from tight coverage, or provide pressure with minimal pass rush in order to slow the juggernaut that is the Crusader offense.

This game will be highly contested and will provide for a very entertaining afternoon with kickoff set for high noon on Saturday. All those in Sweden should make their way to Uppsala or tune in to the live broadcast on TV10 this weekend.

Media awards in Sweden

As the championship game quickly approaches it's that time of year to honor those who have worked so hard and played so well throughout the 2011 season. The Catch, an online magazine devoted to Swedish Football has come up with their version of all-Sweden. Then entire list can be viewed by following the link at the right side titled, Super Series News.

The Carlstad Crusaders headlined the list garnering 8 all-Sweden awards including:

Import - Eli Cranor
Running Back - Christian Forsman
Receiver - Fredrik Eklund
Offensive Line - Crusaders O-Line
Def. Lineman - Olof Flemstrom
Linebacker - Johan Bjorn
Rookie - Robin Juhlin
Coach - Tracey Gere

Individually statistically speaking the crusaders led in the offensive categories of:

Passing - Eli Cranor
Rushing - Eli Cranor
Scoring - Christian Forsman
Receiving - Fredrik Eklund

Coach Profile: BD Kennedy

The tiny town of Blanchard, Oklahoma (~7,700 population) has produced a person that has had such a positive influence on American Football in Europe that the story must be told. Billy (BD) Kennedy has coached for the Arlanda Jets a contender in the Swedish Super Series, the highest division in Sweden since 2005. BD has been coaching for 24 years throughout the United States and most recently in Sweden after finishing his playing career at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. Before coaching for the Jets, BD coached for the Carlstad Crusaders in Karlstad, Sweden. The Crusader teams that he coached reached 3 Super Series finals as well as winning the 2003 EFAF Cup championship over the Innsbruck Raiders after a 24+ hour bus ride one way to Austria. On top of these club roles, he has held various positions with the junior and senior Swedish national teams over the years. Before coming to Sweden Coach Kennedy was a Graduate Assistant at Baylor University for two seasons, OL coach at Hutchinsson Community College for 2 seasons, and OL coach at Washburn University for 11 seasons.

The Jets this season had a tough onset, but after a resilient second half of the season the Jets finished by winning their final 3 games, outscoring their opponents 58-29. BD mentioned that, "It was kind of fun to see some things come together that Rik (co-coach Rik Parker) and I have been working on since the start of the season." BD believes in building a program from the bottom up, proved by their junior team finishing atop the league during the regular season with a 9-1 record. In a recent interview he commented about how the future is with the youth when desiring to build a long lasting football program.

As a result of the Jets' strong finish in the senior season they have re-qualified to compete in the Super Series once again in 2012, an opportunity for this young team to continue to build a program that rivals the top clubs in Sweden. When asked about the turnaround BD said, "The biggest difference is that we executed the things we wanted to do better. Coach Parker and I work on the fundamentals football on a continual basis. The better we get at the fundamentals, the better we will play. The better we play, the better chance we have to win." His insight and focus made a big difference in his teams big second half.

On top of his coaching duties, BD runs a football class in Arlanda that offers its students the opportunity to dive into theory and practice of football, further developing the sport he loves in Sweden. His dedication and level of involvement rivals that of any other ambassador of the game in Europe and that should be honored.

I recently had the pleasure to ask a few of BD's former players and fellow coaches about their impression of BD and the results were entertaining to say the least proving that BD has had an ability to provide laughter and enjoyment in the lives of many. A former player said, "I've played a lot of sports and have never been around a coach that inspired me more than BD. There is no question about that BD is the best coach I have ever played for. No coach has ever made me feel more special as a person and as a player." I've gathered that BD is somewhat of a story teller from asking about him. One individual said, "Few people have made me laugh like BD. He is a really funny guy to be around and he has tons of stories to tell." Another said, "He has an uncanny ability to remember details and names from things that have happened to him at any age."

I was told by Rikard Borg who played for and coached with BD throughout their careers that BD was such a knowledgeable individual, especially regarding offensive football. He said that one season BD helped play on the developmental team for the Crusaders and that from the center position would stand up and call audibles based on the defense. Rik Parker who coaches with BD in Arlanda also said that, "I would matchup BD with anyone armed with a marker and whiteboard in a battle of O-Line scheming." Other comments that stood out about BD are, "very passionate, very knowledgeable, has an ability to encourage and get people involved, great family man, very sincere and genuine, makes players feel needed, haven’t seen same qualities with other Swedish coaches, the best coach I’ve played for, there is nothing phony about BD Kennedy." The comments were so positive that I really got a sense of how much influence this one person has made while here in Europe.

BD keeps a blog that talks some about living and coaching in Sweden, and one of his former players has said that, "I am trying to follow his blog, which isn't too hard since he is updating it once every millennium. But when there is a new post up there his character shines through and it is really funny to read the stuff he writes. If you have the time, enjoy getting a glimpse into how this remarkable coach has infiltrated a deserving group of football players' lives. The Lineman's Dream.

When prompted about what is in the future for this ambassador, BD stated that, "the future for me is to use my job with the NIU program in American football here, to develop the best players I can. Also, most importantly it holds the birth of my wife & my second child who is due January 31st...and that is the most important thing!! it will also hold a quick trip home to see the family here in a few weeks and I will be attending the OU vs Texas game on October 8 in Dallas Texas. Will be the first time I see it live...so I have to say BOOMER SOONER!!!

I'll leave this wonderful story with one of the numerous entertaining stories that can be told about BD Kennedy. Kalle Flognman a former player of BD's with the Carlstad Crusaders talked about one experience with BD, "Everyone who played for the Carlstad Crusaders during the 2003 season remembers a specific halftime when we played against the Stockholm Mean Machines. I don't remember the exact score at halftime, but I remember that our defense had jumped offsides three times on short yardage situations which allowed Stockholm to score a touchdown late in the first half. We had separate locker rooms for our offense and defense and BD told the offense to go to our locker room and he followed to defense into theirs. Everyone knew that BD would explode in the defense's locker room. And boy...did he begin. Even though there are two showers, a sauna, and two doors that separate our locker rooms it was like BD was in our locker room yelling and it all ended with a huge BANG which didn't sound like a door slamming. It wasn't, it was a massage table that had gone up to the roof and back down. A minute later BD stepped into the offense locker room and I wasn't sure if he was gonna yell at us too. But his first line was "Good job offense." We stepped out on the field in 2nd half, the defense shut Stockholm down and we won the game 22-9."

Congratulations to Coach Kennedy, a great coach and a great man, for the vast influence he has made in the lives of countless individuals both on and off the field.

What does intimidation look like?

If you had the opportunity to schedule a playoff game at a date and time that would knowingly keep 2 two-way athletes and the coaches from having the ability to show up to the game to play against you, would you jump at that opportunity, or would you take the high road and schedule the game when all of those entities could be involved even though you would have a decreased chance of winning the game? Well, if you are the Tyreso Royal Crowns of the Swedish Super Series you would choose the low road. At least that’s what they did when they altered their Stockholm home game’s kickoff time for their under 19 semi-final competing against the Carlstad Crusaders so that it matched perfectly with that of the already scheduled Crusaders senior semi-final match in Carlstad, 4 hours away. What’s more, they were unwilling to change after having had multiple offers to play this game on another day or time in order to resolve the situation.

One could imagine the fear that must have been the groundwork of making that decision. Coaches Eli Cranor and myself along with the best U19 player in the Super Series in WR Robin Juhlin, and recently voted All-Europe MLB Christian Kuylenstjerna stayed in Carlstad to ensure the victory of the Senior team while the rest of our teammates who had devoted countless hours of physical and mental preparation that spanned the whole summer, from May until this month, headed to Stockholm and fought valiantly in a 25-6 defeat. What difference would 2 players and 2 coaches make… maybe none, maybe a lot, what will forever be unknown cannot be dwelled upon. However, when making decisions that could possibly add an asterisk onto a victory, or worse an asterisk onto a championship; I for one would like to avoid that at all cost.

Carlstad Offense explodes in 54-7 playoff victory

A heap of nervous energy previewed the ball game yesterday in Karlstad, Sweden. Energy that was about to unload on the incoming Orebro Black Knights. The Knights had made the Super Series playoffs for the first time in club history, and were rolling off of 2 straight victories that had propelled them into the final 4. They were not prepared for the onslaught that Eli Cranor and company had brewing, nor were they prepared for the defensive wall that was put up against their offense. The lone touchdown in the second quarter on a Cody Ladutko pass was one of the only bright spots for the visitors. The Crusaders jumped at the opportunity to display their firepower to a home crowd for the final time in 2011. Eli threw for 329 yards on 22-33 and 6 TD's passing to 4 different receivers. Fredrik Isaksson was the standout on the day hauling in 8 Cranor passes for 174 yards and 3 scores. Despite having similar time of possession statistics, the Crusaders outgained the Knights 32-10 in first downs, and 483 to 145 in total yards.

As a result the Crusaders have earned a spot in the final 2 teams in the Super Series. The Championship game will be played Saturday, September 24th in Uppsala, Sweden a northern area of Stockholm. The competitor is yet to be determined as the 2nd ranked Tyreso Royal Crowns (8-2) face off with the 3rd ranked Stockholm Mean Machine (4-6) today at 5pm in southern Stockholm. Look forward to a preview of the Swedish final sometime later this week. Another place to grab up to date information on football in Sweden is the online magazine, The Catch.

Super Series Semi-Final upon Karlstad, Sweden

This weekend the Orebro Black Knights in their first year of the top division in Sweden, the Super Series, have the largest task in the history of their organization. Travel to Karlstad and take on the defending national champions and top 10 ranked team in all of Europe, the Carlstad Crusaders. Sounds daunting, but the Black Knights have something going for them. Three weeks ago they sat on the brink of extermination, needing to win two games against the two teams that were directly ahead of them in the standings. All they did is rattle off 2 victories, the first against the Stockholm Mean Machine in a thriller 37-26, then in a playoff to get into the playoffs they beat the STU Northside Bulls this past weekend 28-6. Being a first year team to the top division has it's perks. They have had less expectations than any other team in the league. The way they have finished the season has definitely put them into the zone of having a successful season. Now they have the chance to reach the finals in their first season. Standing in their way, is a team that has beaten them two times this season 30-8 in Orebro and more recently 35-6 in early August at Tingvalla Stadium in downtown Karlstad. The Crusaders scored 399 points in the regular season (39.9 per game) and allowed just 103 (10.3 per game). They boast the leading passer (Eli Cranor), the top two leading rushers (Eli Cranor, Christian Forsman), and the leading receiver (Fredrik Eklund) in the Super Series. The game this weekend will display the top ranked Crusader squad as well as import QB Cody Ladutko spinning the ball to the Black Knight star Johan Stal who played for this very Crusader team just last season during their homerun season winning their first ever league championship. Newly acquired defensive end Kwame Jordan hailing from Louisiana Tech has been a spark for this Black Knight squad, helping bring them to this high point in their organization.

The game this weekend, kicking off at 2pm CET should provide the folks of Karlstad another huge game in the history of football in Sweden. The Crusaders have reloaded their attack after coming off of their first loss in a Super Series game since 2009, due in part to the various injuries suffered just prior to that game. Tune in to the twitter account linked at the right edge of this blog, titled Crusaders live updates, to keep pace with the contest.

A preview of the Swedish Playoffs has been created by www.thecatch.se which is an online magazine devoted to covering Swedish football. A portion of this article have been translated here into English:

Carlstad favorites of another finals

The semifinal between the Crusaders and Carlstad Örebro Black Knights on Tingvalla IP in Karlstad. Crusaders have been the dominant figure in this year's series. But last weekend went Crusaders their first loss in Swedish soil since 2009 when perhaps somewhat surprisingly defeated by Tyresö.

A contributing factor to the loss was no doubt that it lacked two of its best players on offense. Running back # 3 Christian Forsman has rested in recent matches because of a knee injury, while wide receiver # 9 Fredrik Eklund resisted because of a concussion. Forsman's and Eklund's absence meant that Carlstad missing two of the Super Series definitely talented skill players. Forsman has closed its way for 639 yards in this year's basic series and Eklund's Super Series-leading receiver with 777 yards on 43 receptions. Together, the pair Forsman and Eklund made the whole 23 touchdowns. Having them in the game to Saturday is of course a huge addition for Crusaders.

Apart from the matches against Tyresö, both of which were regular stories, has Carlstad been uncompromising in years and have had nothing but secure victories. It has been Sweden's best lines on both offense and defense, quarterback imports # 11 Eli Cranor has played phenomenal all season and the defense looks including # 19 Olof Flemström and # 50 John Bear that no one is let through in the middle just like that. At the back it has experienced foxes # 30 Anders Hjerpseth, # 20 Olof Eriksson and understood multiathlete # 12 Joey Stein. Stein has been with injury problems during parts of the season but showed good form against Tyresö, not least by taking a punt return all the way to touchdown. Nor should we forget about # 23 Calle Morin has done a very nice rookie season in the Crusaders secondary.

Statistically Carlstad has been in a class by itself. Offensive has produced nearly 1,000 yards more than any other team and the defense gives you only up 3.5 yards per play, also a figure no other team can match. They have poured in points during the season despite sporting enough aired all players and playing more conservatively once they decided the matches.

Örebro on a roll

Orebro Black Knights set an ambitious target for the season. The team would go to the finals and although it looked bad for just a few weeks ago the team managed to reach the goal. A very convincing victory against the Stockholm Mean Machines and a clear benefit to the STU in the last round means that Black Knights go into the playoffs with a lot of confidence.

Although Örebro are newcomers in the Super Series, there are plenty of routine in the team. And it was also the team's most experienced players who showed the way to the playoffs. Running back # 46 Anton Källvik was strong in the match against the STU and # 86 John Steel, one of the best receivers in modern times, showed much leadership in Stockholm where he had a great match with several crucial games. Steel played initially in the season a lot on defense but has in recent matches has taken an increasing role in passningsspelet. Other receivers, among them # 5 Gustav Andersson and # 3 Tobias Wahlström has also played well during the year which means that the quarterback # 6 Cody Ladutko has several targets to choose from.

Just Ladutko is another player who is playing better at the end. Ladutko came to Sweden with the high expectations that are always put at quarterback imports but received some criticism for initially not up to expectations. In the last four games have Ladutko however, played much better. For example, he had a completion rate of 59% after a strong summer, compared with more moderate 45% in six games this spring. Ladutko has just thrown one interception after the summer break, a significant improvement compared to the eight he had in the spring.

Defensively, Örebro played well all year and you actually have the series' third-best defense after Carlstad and Tyresö. Defensive line is strong with names that talented # 93 Claes Uneståhl, deserving imports # 7 Kwame Jordan, and especially young forever # 99 Abdel Seidou at 39 yearsold, despite continuing to be a super athlete. Behind the line is # 44 Niklas Persson Gyhlfe had a huge season with 50 tackles.

The problem for the Black Knights is that you must succeed in stopping Carlstad both on land and in the air. In the first meeting dealt Örebro passing plays well and held Carlstad to a season low 145 yards in the air. Crusaders switched on when the running game where they took all of 257 yards. In the second game, the meeting focused on the Black Knights to stop Carlstad running game. They managed and Carlstad took just 77 yards on the ground, but in return the Crusaders found gaps in Örebro pass defense and could be fit for 349 yards. It remains to see how head coach Peter Ericson and other coaching staff intend to solve the task on Saturday.

Bogey in Carlstad?

Given that Carlstad won the previous two games by a total of 65-14 and given the Carlstad fantastic games during the season gets Crusaders understood mega favorites on Saturday. What still makes it, after all, can be match is the mental part. For this Carlstad team it is an unfamiliar feeling to lose and it has happened more than once in the Super Series history to win habit teams end up out of sorts after an unexpected loss.

Orebro, on the other hand, goes to Tingvalla with a confidence that is called to do. They got going, and succeeded against all odds to get to the playoffs. A team of prosperity is always dangerous and the Black Knights would get a good start with early points while successfully stopping Carlstad's powerful offensive, there may be gaps, even in the most experienced and skilled team of Crusaders.

Those who get to Tingvalla IP in Karlstad at 17:00 on Saturday night will see if Orebro can cause a real playoff bang.

4th ranked Crusaders of Sweden fall in regular season finale

The game this past weekend was the first time since early May that the Crusaders tasted defeat by an opponent. 21-12 was the final score in a contest that the up and coming Tyreso Royal Crown have waited for for more than 10 years. Beating the 4th ranked team in Europe most definitely will be a shining accomplishment on their season. The game was hard fought and the Crowns needed to come from behind after the Crusaders scored on a 76 yard punt return on the first drive and Eli had a dazzling scramble making what seemed to be the whole Tyreso defense miss for our second touchdown. Both PAT's were missed giving us the early 12-0 lead that we took into half time. The second half showed some miscues offensively, and rightly so when Sweden's second leading rusher and 3 of the top 12 receivers in Sweden all 4 were on the bench due to injury. The game did not have an effect on the outcome of the season for either team, as each team had already clinched home games for the semi-final. This did not change the mentality of either team as both vied for this coveted victory. Tyreso found some holes in the pass defense finding big plays a couple of times on Crusader missed assignments, then they used a power running attack to reach the endzone. They scored in the 3rd quarter, and took the lead late in the 4th quarter. The Crusaders always had a chance to take the lead until the 3rd TD of the game came with a minute left. The Crown defense had a great gameplan for the offense that they faced by bringing pressure to the running attack and pass protection of the Crusaders and playing a very physical style of pass coverage. The game provided some interest I'm sure for viewers around the league, which will most definitely prove beneficial heading into the semi-final weekend, and the finals next weekend.

What is football in Europe?

I recently came across this video done by endzonetv, it is a description of european football and how it has progressed.

Game of the week gives 2 teams a shot at playoffs

Everything in the Super Series has gone according to just about what could be expected this season. All up until this past weekend. The playoffs were all but set, the 4th ranked STU Bulls just needed to sign on the dotted line and seal their fate, but as was the case last weekend, "on paper" and "on the field" are two completely separate things. The 5th ranked Orebro Black Knights needed many things to occur in order for them to reach the playoffs in their first ever season in the top division. The 6th ranked Arlanda Jets beat the STU Bulls, 10-8, for their first win of the season, and Orebro exploded from their 12 points per game average and beat the 3rd ranked Stockholm Mean Machine 37-26. Both of these games had their own level of excitement and each were not decided until late in the game. The Jets scored in the first quarter against the Bulls, after the Bulls scored with less than 5 minutes in the game to take an 8-7 lead the Jets marched down the field in a 13 play drive culminating in a field goal and a huge upset victory. In Orebro, the Knights on their last leg to reach the playoffs battled back and forth with the Machine. The Mean Machine had the ball with 10 minutes remaining and the lead, 26-23 at which point the Knights intercepted a John Russell pass and returned it for the score. They added another score with 4 minutes left and put the game out of reach. The interception was the lone dull spot on an otherwise impressive Super Series debut for SMM quarterback John Russell. Russell threw for 324 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first game wearing Red and Blue. The Knights had not had the chance to triumph in the hard work that they had put forth all season. With close loss after close loss this win finally puts a mark on their season that is so positive and well timed, it may just spark them into the playoffs.

SMM vs. Orebro Highlights

With these results all is prepared for a showdown between Orebro and STU this Saturday for the right to enter the playoffs and travel to top ranked Karlstad. With the top 2 teams in the league, Carlstad and Tyreso, facing each other in southern Stockholm it's hard to believe that could possibly not be the game of the week. However, with the recent turn of events, Orebro will wait at home for the Bulls with kickoff set for 4pm local time. In this week's game of the week, the Black Knights and the STU Bulls each control their own destinies. The newly energized knights led by QB Cody Ladutko and do-everything WR/FS Johan Stal face off with Swedish national team QB Anders Hermodsson and import RB/WR Noah Sandersson.

Stay tuned to find out who will come out of this on top and head to Carlstad to face Europe's 4th ranked Crusaders.

Humboldt State live on TV against Central Washington, and Italy for the weekend

Another break in the season gave Mary and I the blessed chance to explore more of this extravagant land they call Europe. We had a weekend off before our 3 week chase for the crown of Sweden, and with the weather heading towards winter here in southern Sweden we chose Italy. We flew into Pisa and stayed the night indulging in some of the tastiest pizza and gelato that this world offers. We took an early morning train to Cinque Terra and stayed two days in one of the most glorious and non-commercialized corners of planet earth. Mary and I were offered clear blue water swims and seaside snacks of seafood and pasta, combined with hiking the natural trails weaving their way through Italian mountain vineyards. After enough fun in the sun we turned for Pisa one last time and spent the evening searching the stars underneath the leaning tower. Now we are back in Sweden and prepping ourselves for a regular season final against the #2 team from Sweden, followed by a well deserved home semifinal-game that is the result of 9 straight wins in a recently more competitive league. Tune in later this week for more information on the Super Series.

In other unrelated news my Alma mater, Humboldt State University will be putting on display one of the most unique and simply stunning venues in college football this Thursday night when CBS Sports broadcasts live their contest with Central Washington University from Northern California's gem, the Redwood Bowl. The Bowl is situated amongst the giant redwood trees alongside the California Coast in beautiful Arcata, California. All one can see while entering the stadium at night is the light streaming through the tip tops of these massive evergreens. The Lumberjacks of Humboldt are 1-0 on this early season and beat this same CWU team last season for the first time in 15 years. If you have some free time, tune in at 5pm Pacific Standard Time translating to 2am Central European Time at your local CBS Sports channel or by following this link for online viewers: HSU vs. CWU live