Hungary: Cowbells Win Capital City Derby, Steelers, Heroes Clinch Home Field Advantage for Playoffs

The Hungarian Football League continued with three very key matchups this past weekend. The Cowbells and the Wolves each needed a win to take a step towards the playoffs, while the Gorillaz and the Sharks fought to extend their seasons.

Budapest Cowbells 21 (2-2) – Budapest Wolves (1-3) 14

Both teams were in a tough situation after three rounds with only 1 win and 2 defeats. This game lived up to the expectations and only the last quarter decided the game. The biggest surprise was that Tamás Váry was the starting quarterback. This seemed a bit risky but good solution because Márton Czirók could play as a wide receiver. The running game also started to work, Péter Cseperkáló collected a lot of yards and Richárd Roják scored a TD.

The Wolves looked pretty good in the first half after Ádám Elek’s two touchdown receptions. However, the offense started to decline in the second and was not able to score. The defensive backs had a solid game Richárd Madarassy and András Miakich grabbed an interception each. Nevertheless, the Cowbells won 21-14.

Miskolc Steelers 21 (4-0) – Győr Sharks (1-3) 13

The Győr Sharks have been improving lately and gave the Miskolc Steelers a hard time, especially, in the first half when Arthur Brown gave the visitors the lead. The Steelers had a sloppy start, it took some time until they would find the end zone. with A.J. Benson and Troy Rice keeping a lot of plays alive. Eaton Demetrius Lamar first equalized then Rice with a 65 yard punt return touchdown turned things around.

In the third quarter, neither team could reach the end zone. The Steelers and the Sharks put on an outstanding show in the last period. Máté Jónás and Andres Fernandez had an interception each. Then the injured Rice caught a 15 yard touchdown pass. Fernandez answered with a 40 yard TD reception, however, that came late in the game. Thus, the Steelers won 21-13 and remain the only unbeaten team in the HFL.

Eger Heroes 14 (3-1) – DAK Acél Dunaújváros Gorillaz (1-3) 2

The Heroes needed a win to clinch home field advantage in the playoffs and keep up with the Steelers. Eger had a solid first half. Quarterback  Khalid Ali put up a good performance and threw two touchdown passes, one to Anthony Green Jr. and another one to Kali Rashaad. The Gorillaz offense could not score.

Dunaújváros’ defense stepped up to the challenge. In the second half, the home team could not even score, while Sándor Gorgyán tackled Ali in the end zone for a safety. The Heroes could not break through the Gorillaz defense though and took a lot of penalties at crucial moments. Thus, the score remained 14-2. Eger clinched home field advantage and if they defeat the Steelers in the last round in the regular season, they will earn the number one seed.