One of the pivotal matchups of this weekend’s Central European Football League action sees the defending CEFL champions in the Flash de La Courneuve welcoming the Swedish Champions, the Stockholm Mean Machines to France as we have a showdown for the ages.
The Mean Machines had an interesting first round as they defeated the first British entrants into the CEFL with a 42-14 victory over the Manchester Titans back in April. But where their accomplishments really shine through is in the Swedish Superserien league.
Stockholm are undefeated in the Swedish league for the third straight season, currently sitting on 4-0, with playoffs on lock at this point. Although they are still yet to face the other unbeaten Swedish team in the Carlsdad Crusaders.
Watch live. Stockholm Mean Machines @ La Courneuve Flash, May 11, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am EDT).
The Swedish champions made it to the same round there are in now last year, losing to the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns 29-27, though this year you could say that the challenge in front of them is even more daunting as they take on the 2023 CEFL champions.
The Mean Machines will rely on their quarterback Mateo Renteria, who against the Titans threw four touchdown passes, one to Robin Gavelin Miranda and three to Matthew Retzlaff. With Retzlaff now swapped out, it begs the question of what can the Mean Machines do against the reigning champions.
The reigning champions of the CEFL did not manage to come away with the 2023 French National crown, falling to the Marseille Blue Stars in the semifinals, whilst this season they currently top Group A with a 5-1-1 record falling to Saint Ouen l’Aumone 13-14 and drawing 14-14 with the other French squad in the CEFL, the Thonon Black Panthers.
The Flash have two games left to play in the French season, but for right now they are going to have to rely on their big-name imports in Hans Solborg on the line and Darius Dawsey at tight end.
Momentum wise, it seems this game would favor the Swedish team but you can never count out the CEFL champions of last year wanting to reclaim their throne.