The Grizzlys Catalans (0-0) open their 2024 season in France’s DI Elite league on the road as they take on the Nice Dauphins (0-1) Saturday, February 17 in Nice.
The Grizzlys had been scheduled to play the Marseilles Blue Stars in their first game two weeks ago but were forced to postpone the contest due to travel delays caused by the Farmers’ Strike in France.
The Dauphins enter the game after dropping a surprise 19-6 decision to the newly-promoted Cannes Iron Mask two weeks ago.
Nice second year head coach Yannick Fattorini will be looking to get his team into the win column after that disappointing loss. French quarterback Sullivan Silverio who threw a touchdown pass last week to wideout Joachim Torrelli, has other weapons at his disposal including veterans Anthony Rosso, Borris Horn, Niccolas Marin and Alex Max.
The Dauphins also rely on college teammates in defensive lineman Jordan Harris and offensive lineman Demetri Swann (Brockport University NCAA DIII) as well as talented French defender Chemsedine Jaouni.
Catalans Spanish head coach Oscar Calatayud is no stranger to success. As the head coach of the Badalona Dracs in Spain’s top league he led his team to six Spanish championships and is hoping he can carry over that success to the Grizzlys.
Calatayud’s offense will feature American quarterback Jaylen Tregle (Southwestern Oregon NAIA) and talented French receiver Idriss Ramky and Brazilian tight end Morilo Soares. Defensively the Grizzlies bring back veteran players such as Terence Correia, Theo Duru, and Loris Savalle.
Grizzlys Catalans @ Nice Dauphins
Feb. 17, 18:45 CET (6:45 pm, 12:45 pm ET)
