Hungary: Regular season ends this weekend as playoff teams race for top seed
Two games remain in the Hungarian Football League regular season and both have key playoff implications.
The 5-1 Budapest Cowbells take on the 4-2 Nyíregyháza Tigers to determine the third seed while the Miskolc Steelers need to win in Dunaújváros against the DAK Acél Gorillaz for first seed.
Budapest Cowbells (5-1) – Nyíregyháza Tigers (4-2) June 17th
Photo: Gabriella Kraus
The Cowbells offense is starting to gain stability. The Győr Sharks game showed that Márton Czirók is beginning to feel more comfortable as quarterback again; however, he lost his favorite receiver, Bence Takács. Nevertheless, running back Péter Cseperkáló is ready to return and help out Richárd Roják. Both backs are physical and difficult to tackle. But against the Tigers the defensive backs will have more work to do.
The Tigers had their worst game of the season against the Miskolc Steelers last week after not being able to score. Brian Gessel’s connection with the receivers has some ups and downs, but it is getting better. Considering the rushing game, after Ivan Oleksiuk went back to defense Márk Benő stepped up as number one running back. It was a good decision by head coach Thomas Smythe, because the young player seems to be feeling quite comfortable on the field.
DAK Acél Gorillaz (0-6) – Miskolc Steelers (5-1) June 17th
Photo: Zsolt Hulyok
Last shot for the Gorillaz to get a win in the HFL’s regular season. Only 25 players traveled to Nyíregyháza last time and not much changed since then, there are still a lot of injured players. It is still questionable whether Dávid Jeszenszki, or Balázs Krasznai will start as quarterback. Nevertheless, the best solution might be that strong, physical football that the Gorillaz played against the Tigers.
Photo: Tamás Battyányi
The Steelers win over the Tigers last week was a huge confidence booster. Every part of the team played extremely well.. Máté Jónás is starting to become a young leading figure of the defense and Andre Whyte also continued to shine. All in all, this Steelers team is prepared for the playoffs, and only a few adjustments are needed.
