By Aidan Wohl
The Fujitsu Frontiers have been the powerhouse of Japan’s X-League for the past decade and today are looking to continue that trend as they take on the Elecom Kobe Finies in the second semifinal.
Both teams will be looking for something to prove.
After being routed 38-7 by Fujitsu during the regular season, the Kobe Finies will look for redemption against the reigning Rice Bowl champions. The undefeated Frontiers will be a tough team to stop with their powerhouse big three of quarterback Tsubasa Takagi, running back Trashawn Nixon, and wide receiver Riki Matsui.
Kobe quarterback David Pindell will be a player to watch in this contest, leading the charge for the Finies in his team’s upset win against IBM in the quarterfinal round. Running back Yuki Shirakami is also a focal point of the team’s offense, recording a spark in the backfield, with 110 rushing yards and a touchdown in its win. The Finies defense has also improved since the beginning of the season, only allowing 117 yards in the air to a pass-heavy Big Blue team.
The winner will advance to the 76th Rice Bowl on January 3 where they will face the Panasonic Impulse who defeated the Obic Seagulls 30-10 in the other semifinal.