Germany’s Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns will host the Parma Panthers from Italy in a rocking Optima Sport Park in this highly anticipated CEFL Bowl XVI. The Unicorns are eager to defend their CEFL title in front of a packed home crowd. Across the field, the reigning Italian champions hope to end their season by knocking off one of Europe’s top clubs.
Former Parma Panthers quarterback Reilly Hennessey faces off against his former team. About a year ago Hennessey led this same Parma team to an undefeated season and an Italian championship. Now he’ll look to end their season and add a CEFL Bowl to his trophy case with the Unicorns.
Hennessey’s offense, features a heavy dose of running with the emergence of Larz Koslowski as a bell-cow back for the Unicorns. Through the air, receivers Joshua Haas and former 2016 Minnesota Vikings NFL draft pick Moritz Boehringer look to make an impact.
Defensively, the Unicorns feature an array of German talent especially store in the trenches. Former NFL International combine invite Raphael Zistler and the rest of the defensive line hope to stifle a Parma offense that relies on the run game. Former CFL defensive back Mitch Fettig is another impact player who played both ways for the Unicorns catching two touchdowns in their last CEFL game.
Sweet sixteen! #ceflbowl #ceflhttps://t.co/dV7DY4z02G pic.twitter.com/h5ea7JeLmp
— Sportklub CEFL (@EuropeanLeague) June 24, 2022
Parma Panthers go into this weekend as the heavy underdogs. With their Italian season over this championship game acts as the last hurrah for the gritty Panthers squad. Injuries have held back the 2021 champs this season as some of the team’s best players have barely seen action this year. If Parma can get players like Simone Alinovi and others back in action they could shock the Unicorns.
Offensively, quarterback Brook Bolles hopes to get this Panthers offense going in their season finale. Expect the Central Missouri (NCAA D2) product to target running back Modeste Pooda and tight end Dario Zatti. If Simone Alinovi can suit up, he’ll be a difference-maker out of the slot.
Defensively, Parma’s squad features tackling machine Dauson Dales. Dales, a product of Ohio Dominican University (NCAA D2) has been a do-it-all import for Parma, playing running back, linebacker and special teams for this squad. The Panther’s defensive line will have to play well against an experienced Unicorn’s offensive line so keep a fierce Schwäbisch Hall running game in check. Expect defensive tackle Vanni Belli to make plenty of stops as the veteran is eager to end the season on a high note.
CEFL BOWL XVI: Parma Panthers @ Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, June 25th, 17:00 CET, (5 pm 11 am ET)
