The Hungarian Football League (HFL) heads into its second round this weekend with two games on the schedule. On Friday, the Budapest Wolves host the Győr Sharks, while the Kiev Capitals visit the Fehérvár Enthroners on Saturday.
Budapest Wolves (1-0) – Győr Sharks (0-1), April 19
Photo: Gabriella Kraus
The reigning champion Budapest Wolves started off with an important win against the Miskolc Steelers in the opening round of the HFL. The defense seemed as solid as last season even without Alvin Reels and Darius Lewis. The offense did not look as good as in 2018, scoring only one touchdown, but that score came in the nick of time. Ben Lyon kicked three field goals and an extra point for the Wolves and this season, his role might be more important.
Photo: Tamás Battyányi
The Sharks got off to a bad start against the Fehérvár Enthroners at home last week. The defense played well enough but head coach Dustin Hawke Willingham still needs to work on the offense. This also goes for special teams which underperformed. In the last few years, the Sharks always played an exciting and high-scoring game against the Wolves. Willingham expects the same in Budapest.
Fehérvár Enthroners (1-0) – Kiev Capitals (0-1), April 20
Photo: Tamás Battyányi
The Enthroners struggled through the season in 2018 finishing with a 2-5. Things look like they have changed following a 31-7 win over the Sharks last week. Fehérvár may well be a contender. The Enthroners’ running game will be a key as well as how new quarterback Bence Gombos who came over from the Wolves, will adapt to a different system. After the first game, he seems to be in sync with his receivers.
Photo: Tamás Battyányi
Despite the 26-6 loss to the Budapest Cowbells in the first round, the Kiev Capitals played an excellent game. The Ukrainian team showed off its physicality in the first round. Also, the Capitals’ passing game is a factor that the Enthroners must pay attention to. Still, Kiev is facing another tough task again this weekend.