The Central European Football League (CEFL) Bowl XVI is here as the defending champion Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns will host the 2021 Italian Football League champion Parma Panthers. The intriguing matchup also pits two quarterbacks against each other that have no doubt been compared to each other by fans eagerly awaiting the championship game.
Unicorns quarterback Reilly Hennessey is a name that Parma Panthers fans know far too well. Hennessey played three seasons in Parma and helped build the Panthers to a championship team as he led them to a 2021 Italian Bowl championship.
Since then, the former Central Washington (NCAA DI FCS) quarterback has made the move to southwestern Germany joining the powerhouse Unicorns. Hennessey has been battling a nagging injury and sat out of last week’s German Football League game in hopes to play in this title game. Through four games in the GFL, Hennessey has looked as good as he did in Parma throwing for nine touchdowns and 763 yards while rushing for two more touchdowns. Expect Hennessey to be ready to play against his old team as the Unicorns are determined to defend their CEFL title.
UNICORNS WIN 💥 Erster Auswärtssieg 2022 – in the books ✅ Die Unicorns besiegen die @RV_Razorbacks mit 55:19. Kommt gut nach Hause, Jungs! #unicornsfootball
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📸 Manfred Löffler pic.twitter.com/hr3FD4CK8k— Unicorns Football (@unicornsfootbal) May 29, 2022
After a slow start to the season, international quarterback Brook Bolles seemed to get more comfortable in Parma’s offense as the season went on. The former Central Missouri Mule (NCAA D2) was lured to Parma by the defending Italian champions after a stellar collegiate career earning All-American honors as well as being named a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award (D2 Heisman).
It looks like everyone is taking notice of the game Mules quarterback Brook Bolles had last week!
Two new #teamUCM records.
MIAA Offensive Player of the Week.https://t.co/NyygwNWZLt National Offensive Player of the Week. pic.twitter.com/EfNYcpXnuS— UCM Football (@UCMFootballTeam) September 27, 2019
However, Bolles and the Panthers weren’t able to defend their Italian title as they were recently bounced out in the semifinals losing to the Art Briles led Firenze Guelfi team. Overall, Bolles led a Parma team to a 6-3 record in Italian play, along with two huge wins in the Central European League over the Danube Dragons and Calanda Broncos. Through seven games in Italy, Bolles has thrown for 1,261 yards and 10 scores, while adding 310 yards and two scores on the ground. He’ll need to play well today against a well-coached Unicorns defense if the Panthers are to pull off the upset.
Brook Bolles takes the snap Photo: Sergio Brunetti
Those who tune in to the game will see a packed house as Optima Sportpark as the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns will play host to the underdog Italians in this CEFL Bowl XVI. The Panthers are looking to pull off the upset, shock Europe, and redeem their season. On the home side, the Unicorns well-oiled machine will be looking to add the CEFL championship trophy to its trophy case.
Parma Panthers @ Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, June 25, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11:00 am ET)
