Fehérvár Enthroners defensive end Jebrai Regan’s sparkling performance was a key to helping the defending champions defeat the Budapest Wolves 26-0 in the Hungarian Football League.
The Enthroners’ defense gave the seven-time champion Wolves a hard time from the game’s opening whistle.
Jebrai Regan scored the first touchdown of the game by taking a blocked punt all the way to the end zone (6-0). Although Budapest running back Dávid Danku caused problems for the home team, the defense still stood solid. Regan also forced a fumble by hitting the ball out of Márk Bencsics’ (QB) hand, which was picked up by defensive lineman Martin Kranjec in the second quarter. Not long after, the Enthroners increased their lead to two possessions after quarterback Márk Erős ran for his first touchdown of the season (12-0).
The Wolves tried to bounce back but Regan’s second hit on Bencsics caused the ball to bounce up in the air. Linebacker János Zilai quickly caught it and took it to the end zone (18-0). Unfortunately, Enthroners’ kicker József Beretka was having a bad game and missed his third straight extra point leaving Fehérvár with an 18-0 lead.
Jebrai Regan (50) chasing Márk Bencsics (3) (Photo: László Tenk)
In the second half, the Wolves’ defense tried to keep the game closer with defensive back Jamaal Lane getting an interception and making several well-timed tackles. However, the offense was still struggling. The visitors gave the ball away again after defensive back Máté Gyarmati intercepted Bencsics pass in Wolves territory. The home team used the great field position to its advantage and scored its fourth touchdown with wide receiver Rashad Still’s catch which was followed up by Nándor Tóth’s (WR) two-point conversion making the score 26-0.
Rashad Still scores again (Photo: László Tenk)
The Fehérvár Enthroners’ solid defensive performance earned the team top spot in the first round of the regular season. Thus, one win in the second round will punch the defending champions a ticket to the Hungarian Bowl. The Budapest Wolves now have two losses and need a win over the Győr Sharks to make it to the final.