The 1-0 Grenoble Centaures travel to the deep south of France Sunday, February 16 to face the 0-1 Catalan Grizzlys as the French Federation of American Football Elite Division winds up its second weekend of play.
The Centaures defeated the Montpellier Hurricanes 20-12 in the opening round of play while Catalan, in their very first game in the top division in France, were pummeled 55-14 by the defending champion Thonon Black Panthers.
In that opening day loss, Catalan quarterback Jon Brown completed 12 of 24 passes for only 115 yards and one touchdown with Sean Boswell catching the lone scoring pass. Ozny Adramann scored the only rushing touchdown of the game for the Grizzlys. Boswell was dangerous all day on punt and kick returns though amassing 183 yards on seven returns.
Despite the win last week, Centaures quarterback Loic Caruso only threw for 85 yards, which including touchdown passes to Max Zardo and Florian Larose. Although Grenoble gained 152 yards on the ground against Montpellier, they scored only one rushing touchdown with Michael Puech delivering it,
Will the Grizzlys, who have moved from France’s Division 3 to the Elite division in only two years, step up in front of their home crowd? In all likelihood, they will. Grenoble had only the eighth-best defense in France in 2019. And Jon Brown has proven he is a quality quarterback. Sean Boswell is the wild card for Catalan. If he gets some freedom to run, he can be dangerous.
Watch the game live here. Grenoble Centaures @Catalan Gruzzlys, Sunday, February 16, 1p CET (7a ET)