Hungarian Bowl XIV historic: First final without a Budapest-based team

The Fehérvár Enthroners will face the Kiev Capitals in Hungarian Bowl XIV on Saturday, July 6 at Hidegkuti Nandor Stadion in Budapest.

The game is historic. This is the first time ever that a team from Budapest did not make it to the HFL championship game. On top of that, both teams are preparing to play in their first ever title game.

Fehérvár Enthroners (3rd seed) – Kiev Capitals (4th seed)

The Enthroners have reached the final in only their second year in the HFL, thanks to a hugely improved offense with the addition of former Budapest Wolves quarterback Bence Gombos. In addition, Fehérvár brought in University of Hawaii star running back Ryan Tuiasoa  who led the team in rushing and is a constant threat for defenses.  The defense has vastly improved also since the last season. Jebrai Regan started his third year in the Székesfehérvár-based team and during his stay he could not be left out of the starter. He also led the regular season in sacks (6). Lastly, the signing of head coach Jim Ward was critical.

The Kiev Capitals shocked everyone by beating the heavily-favored Budapest Wolves in the semi-final on the road. Although the season did not start out well for the offense, by the time the playoffs came around, it had vastly improved.

The acquisition of Troy Rice gave the Capitals a receiver who could be a game changer, while quarterback Maksym Cherepivskyi’s developing form also helped the Ukrainian squad. Add to this the face that Oleksandr Melnychuk proved to be a bulldozer in the running back position. In addition, the defense’s physicality also was a key factor in a lot of games this season. The Capitals can set an important record by becoming the first squad to win the Hungarian First League without playing a home game.