LIVE STREAM: EFL Bowl – Milano Rhinos v. Thonon-les-bains Black Panthers (6p CEST, 12p EDT)

| American Football | 06/10/2017

What started as five clubs from four nations, ends with two meeting in the finale of the international EFL tournament this Saturday.

After closing Italy’s Divisione 1 regular season undefeated for the second consecutive year, the Milano Rhinos (12-0) aim to take an international title in this Saturday’s EFL Bowl. The Rhinos will travel 340 kilometers to Thonon-les-bains to face the Black Panthers under the French Alps.

For is the Rhinos first European final in the club’s history. However, Milan’s fell to the Black Panthers in their last international tournament in 2011. Milano will arrive in Thonon with the full roster (except Dylan Bakker as non-registered), as import linebacker Jeremiah Allison is back to 100% after suffering an injury against the Nice Dauphins.

Rhinos Presdient Alessio D’Ascenzo:

“We worked very well in the last two weeks and we are sure that we will play at most Saturdays. Thonon is a great team and I’m sure the battle will be won in the trenches. If we want to win we have to be good at controlling the clock and put the game on the right track, both teams aiming much on the running game, so it’s a key factor for both.”

The Thonon Black Panthers have finished 2nd in France’s top Elitè division with a record of 8-2 and will play the semi-finals against the Cougars of Saint Ouen L’Aumone on June 17th. The Black Panthers are led by American quarterback Samuel Poulos and his favorite target and number one reciever is Jefferson Alexandre. The Black Panthers also boast France’s top running back Andreas Betza. The Thonon defense is led by American import Timothy Love Breaker who is a dangerous returner in addition to dominating the secondary.

That defense will be put to task trying to stop the one of Italy’s top player, the Rhinos quarterback TJ Pryor.

Black Panthers defensive coach Maxime Dupuy’s key to the game? “Prevent TJ Pryor from having the ball in his hands,” said Dupuy. “On the ground we will try to push the ball to the running back with a specific series that will prevent Pryor from taking good readings on the defensive players. Then, on second and third and long downs, we will apply a lot of pressure and very tight pass covers.”

Tune in below to watch the EFL Bowl live!

LIVE STREAM: EFL Bowl – Milano Rhinos v. Thonon-les-bains Black Panthers (6p CEST, 12p EDT)


Finale EFL 2017 by blackpanthers-football

John McKeon is a former professional and collegiate American Football player and coach now living and working in New York. His goal is to spread news, information, and opinion on the global growth of the sport he loves.