The Uppsala 86ers play host to six-time and reigning Swedish champions the Carlstad Crusaders Saturday in a game which is crucial to the 86ers playoff hopes.
Uppsala opened the season with two straight losses but since then have reeled off four consecutive victories and now sit in third place behind the undefeated Carlstad and the Orebro Black Knights who are 4-1, but ahead of the Tyreso Royal Crowns. However, the toughest part of their schedule is facing them with two games each against both the Crusaders and Royal Crowns.
Quarterback Jared Stegman has come into his own after a tentative start and against the Limhamn Griffins last week he led his team to a 53-23 win. So far this year he has thrown for 1,211 yards and 15 touchdowns good for second in the league behind Carlstad quarterback Philip Juhlin who has amassed 1,639 yards passing and 16 touchdowns. Stegman is also fourth in rushing in Sweden with 246 yards on 57 carries and three touchdowns.
Ricardo Miller – André Holgård Photos: Yamamoto Shinji, Hans Cullberg
Carlstad running back Brett Koepp is having another dominant season and has scored 12 touchdowns in five games and is averaging 83 yards a game in 2016.
The interesting battle could be at receiver with Carlstad’s André Holgård (486 yards) and Jakob Dahre (470 yards) in second and third in the country while Uppsala’s two top receivers Ricardo Miller (462) and Chiam James (439) are right behind in fourth and fifth.
Uppsala head coach Moe Kadkhodai is aware of the powerhouse Carlstad represents and knows that his defense will have to withstand an offensive onslaught.
“Our defense must hold tight. We have given up some unnecessary deep passes this year, but otherwise we have played well.”
The 86ers will be facing the stingiest defense in Sweden. Carlstad has allowed only 12 points a game so far in 2015 and is led by linebacker Christian Kuylenstjerna who leads the league in tackles. The Crusaders will have to be wary of Uppsala defensive back Jacob Adelman who is having a superb season. He is also a leading kick returner for the 86ers.
Carlstad head coach Tracey Gere knows his team is facing an opponent that needs to win this game badly and has been playing well lately.
“We have to be prepared playing at their place. They have a lot of offensive weapons and their defense is solid.”
Saturday May 28: Kickoff 3 PM (9 AM EDT) (As this is pay per view, follow the instructions. The language will change depending on location. Price: 49 Swedish kronor or $6)
Watch the game live here on PPV.
Photo credits: Hans Cullberg, Yamamoto Shinji