Two of France’s heavyweights clash in the FFFA Elite championship in the south of France
The two best American football clubs in France meet in the Casque de Diamant, or Diamond Helmet, the Federation Francaise de Football Americain (FFFA) Elite championship this Saturday June 24th, at 6 p.m., 12 p.m. EDT in Fos-sur-Mer, France outside of Marseille.
The Flash de la Courneuve advanced to final after defeating the Rouen Leopards 40-16 at home in Stade Geo Andre in northern Paris. The Black Panthers of Thonon-les-bains beat the Aix-en-Provence Argonautes 34-22 in Thonon.
These clubs have met three times in the past in France’s title game, and the Flash lead the series 2-1 against the Black Panthers. However, Thonon were most recently crowned champions in 2013 (14-0), the last final between these two rivals. There Flash two the previous two meetings, 21-6 in 2007 and 41-27 in 2009.
If one could think of a psychological advantage for the Courneuviens is that the northern champions topped Thonon-les-Bains in week nine, 35-21. But at this level of competition, teams know how to navigate above their regular season fates.
While the Flash boast one of the league’s top passing offenses, Thonon’s potent rushing attack features Elite league leader Andres Betza and Stephen ‘La Pepite’ Yepmo is not to be shirked. We don’t want to forget to mention a Thonon defense led by powerful safety Tim Love Breaker.
The Flash play for their 10th French title exactly 20 years after its first title in 1997. In addition some judicious recruitment and the right choice of American imports players and coach, the Flash are known of their club infrastructure, top-to-bottom. Over time, the have built their youth training program, a team that is strong in all position on the field.
The Flash play for their 10th French title exactly 20 years after its first title in 1997.
“To stop the Black Panthers, we will have to be disciplined in defense, not to commit any fault nor to concede big play.,” says Flash general manager Bruno Lacam-Caron.
“If our defense can put pressure on Black Panthers quarterback Sam Poulos, he can be forced into making mistakes.”
Lacam-Caron is proud of his club’s offense. “We’ll have to watch our entire attack. If we play as we knows how to do it, it’s going to be a beautiful show, because no team in France is able to stop it,” he added.
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