France’s defending champion La Courneuve Flash will look to redeem themselves following an opening game loss in the French Federation of American Football (FFFA – Fédération Française de Football Américain) when they face the Asnieres Molosses in Paris, Saturday, Feb. 17.
The Flash dropped their first game of the year to arch rivals, the Thonon Black Panthers, 23-20 two weeks ago. The Molosses, who have returned to the top league in France following a two year absence, also lost on opening day, dropping a 20-6 decision to the other newcomer in the top league in France, the Marseille Blue Stars.
Led by quarterback Paul Durande, the Flash will look to improve offensively. Durand struggled against Thonon completing only 13 of 30 passes for 117 yards. However, running back Nicolas Khandar (Team France RB) was superb rushing for 152 yards on 21 carries (7.2 yards per carry). Look for the Flash running game to dominate with Georgia Tech tackle Michael Ivory and University of Florida center Michael Montero opening holes.
Molosses quarterback Jordan Moore also had a rough opening game, completing six of 17 passes for 107 yards while getting sacked three times and hurried all game long. Still, the team rushed for 174 yards with Stephane Mancadiang leading with way with 65 yards on 10 carries.
New head coach Bill Moore has brought back Sebastien Sejean ( St Louis Rams, Spartans Amiens, Dresden Monarchs) for his final football season. Sejean is a product of the Molosses youth football program.