The Budapest Wolves were looking to avenge their regular season loss to the Fehérvár Enthroners and they definitely did that and more in winning Hungarian Bowl XV.
The Wolves defense kept the game close and the offense stepped in when it counted late in the game.
In fact, both defenses started solid. For the Wolves, linebacker Gergely Homoki was a true run stopper while for the Enthroners, Devan Stringer was solid and recovered a fumble. Running backs Darrell Tate and Dávid Danku kept the Wolves offense moving. Meanwhile, Enthroners quarterback Márk Erős stuck to the pass with his key receiver being Rashad Still who scored the game’s first touchdown on a 30-yard reception in the second quarter.
Darrell Tate (24) moved the chains for the Wolves’ offense (Photo: László Tenk)
Nevertheless, the Wolves answered quickly as Tate scored a touchdown from close range to narrow the lead to 7-6.
Although the Enthroners had a shot to increase the lead after a fumble by Jamaal Lane, Wolves cornerback Norbert Hunka deflected a pass intended for Still to keep Budapest within one point.
Rashad Still (11) got the advantage for the Enthroners (Photo: László Tenk)
The defensive battle between the two teams continued into the third quarter. Both teams stepped up the intensity on defense. Hunka was close to scoring a pick six while Enthroners defensive end Jebrai Regan almost stripped Wolves quarterback Márk Bencsics after a sack. However, Enthroners star linebacker Mátyás Sándor had to leave the game due to injury and Budapest took advantage.
In the fourth quarter, Darrell Tate scored his second rushing touchdown to give Budapest the lead for the first time.
Although there was still a one possession difference between the two teams, the Enthroners started to take risks which did not pay off. Wolves defensive lineman Dávid Borek sack on fourth down gave the ball back to the Wolves in Fehérvár territory. The visitors capitalized with Danku scoring the third touchdown for the capital city team to make it 18-7.
Kristóf Szakács’ crucial interception (Photo: László Tenk)
There was not much time left for the title holders to turn the game around. The home team was close to making it a one possession ball game again though but Wolves defensive back Kristóf Szakács intercepted an Erős’ pass in the end zone to effectively end the game.
The Wolves’ kept possession, controlling the clock with the run game until the final whistle, thus, winning their eighth Hungarian Championship title in the club’s history. Darrell Tate’s performance earned him the Finals MVP trophy.