Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos open their 2022 season in the Central European Football League in the quarterfinal round by hosting the Budapest Wolves from Hungary, Saturday, May 14 in Chur, Switzerland.
The Broncos are the defending Swiss champions and no strangers to the CEFL. They reached the championship game in 2019 and the semifinals in 2021. Currently, Calanda sits second in the Swiss standings with a 5-1 record. Meanwhile, the Wolves are returning to the tournament for the first time since 2014. Budapest has opened the Hungarian season with a loss, after dropping a close 28-25 decision to the Budapest Cowbells.
For Calanda, quarterback Chase Andries is the key along with receiver Celeste Conceprio who scored two touchdowns a week ago against the Basel Gladiators. The backfield features running backs Steffen Haenelt who scored a touchdown last week against Basel along with Erik Rageth. Wideout Melvin Sassi has excellent speed and is always dangerous. Defensively, Max Gray leads a secondary that snagged five interceptions a week ago and can cause problems for the Budapest passing game. Gray had two picks while Alex Däscher also had a pair. Matt Tannò had the fifth pick.
The Broncos defense has surrendered an average of only 12.5 points a game.
The Wolves rely on veteran Márk Bencsics at quarterback along with wide receivers Márton Czirók and Ádám Elek, both Team Hungary selections. The offensive line is big headed up by Gábor Hartai who played for the Enthroners, as well as former Budapest Cowbell standout Miklós Arató. Safety Vladimir Santana from Florida anchors the Wolves secondary.
On paper this would seem like a comfortable win for the hometown Broncos, but Calanda head coach Geoff Buffum knows better than to underestimate his Hungarian opponents. The Wolves won the 2021 Hungarian title in an upset. They are always dangerous.
Budapest Wolves @ Calanda Broncos, May 14, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)
