Hungary: Cowbells, Wolves Get Easy Wins, Steelers Stay Unbeaten
After the first round in the Hungarian Football League, the two teams from Budapest, Hungary needed a win to join the race for the playoffs. The Wolves had to travel again, this time to Eger, while the Cowbells hosted the Győr Sharks on Saturday. On Sunday, the Miskolc Steelers were looking for their second victory, but the DAK Acél Dunaújváros Gorillaz were a tough opponent after a big win at home against the six-times champion Wolves.
Budapest Wolves (1-1) 49 – Eger Heroes (1-1) 7 (in Eger)
The Heroes offense looked promising, when they beat the Győr Sharks on the road. Nevertheless, at home the Wolves’ defense stopped the two bullets of Eger, Gergő Vakarcs and Anthony Green Jr. The visitors’ offense line did a great job in protecting quarterback Márk Bencsics who threw four touchdowns (2-2 in each halves). At the break the Wolves led 21-7 Ádám Elek had two receiving touchdowns and Péter Lenner ran for one in the second quarter. Only Khalid Ali could score for the Heroes.
In the second half, Elek was on fire by scoring two more TDs and finishing with 101 receiving yards. In addition, he got four touchdowns out of five catches. Receiver Máté Gecser had a good day as well. He had a TD reception and after a trick play he found Ferenc Bartos in the end zone. The Wolves made a confidence booster victory and head coach István Kovács was able to try the two new imports Xavier Marsden and Michael McCrary.
Budapest Cowbells (1-1) 30 – Győr Sharks (0-2) 12
Both teams had to come back after a loss in the first round. Nevertheless, the Cowbells had the chance to play in the Central European Football League and improve. The defense had an impressive second game in the HFL and did not surrender points until the fourth quarter. The secondary was also able to put points on the scoreboard. Kevin Nagy had an interception return touchdown in the second half, and Mihály Bánfy sacked Phillip Garcia in the end zone.
Thanks to the defense’s help, the offense was able to make things happen. Rookie Norbert Zax rushed for the first touchdown of the game, while quarterback Márton Czirók also found the end zone. He also threw for another touchdown. Bálint Kántor was the target. The Győr Sharks’ depended mostly on Andres Fernandez who scored two touchdowns in the last quarter.
Miskolc Steelers (2-0) 27 – DAK Acél Dunaújváros Gorillaz (1-1) 14
These two clubs had an impressive season opener and both of them showed strong performance on defense. The Gorillaz took the lead in the first half. After a clumsy long snap, Attila Madarász reached the ball first in the end zone. In the second period, the Steelers offense fought back by scoring three touchdowns. Miskolc’s quarterback Vasyl Yordan and the defense took a great part in turning the game around. He first found A.J. Benson for the equalizer (the extra by Máté Jónás was good). Next Eaton Demetrius Lamar ran for another TD. At the end of the first half, Troy Rice would score for the Steelers giving the visiting team a 21-7 lead.
The Gorillaz started the second half with an impressive drive. This time, first round MVP Márton Mészáros scored for Dunaújváros. Nevertheless, the Steelers had an answer. Yordan and the receivers were able to narrow the distance to the end zone. Then came the surprise, the quarterback instead of passing the ball to one of his receivers, ran the ball himself scoring from 10 yards out. The Gorillaz tried to make it a close game again, however, at the end Anton Usenko snatched Kornél Bachrathy’s pass.
Every team will take the field again on May 7. The Dunaújváros Gorillaz will visit the Győr Sharks, while last year’s runner-up the Budapest Cowbells will visit the Eger Heroes. The match-up of the champions will bring an exciting game. Six time Hungarian champions Budapest Wolves will host current title holders the Miskolc Steelers.
