The Thonon Black Panthers (2-3-1) will play host to the surprising Rouen Leopards (3-1-2) as the French D1 Elite league rolls into the second last round of the regular season.
These two teams played to a 34-34 tie two months ago and now the defending champion Black Panthers have their backs against the wall with a simple playoff berth at stake.
The Black Panthers season has not been ideal for them with a loss to the Flash 21-7 before a matchup with Rouen which saw both teams walk away with 34 points on the board and a draw. They then played to another tie, this time against the Asnieres Molosses, 35-35 and 14-14 against the Flash in the second meeting between the two. Their two wins have come against the Saint Ouen Cougars who they beat 42-0 and 46-0.
Watch live. Rouen Leopards @ Thonon Black Panthers, May 18, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm EDT).
The Leopards on the other hand have had a truly mixed six games with their first game versus the Cougars went the way of Rouen 21-12.They then lost to the Molosses 26-18 and then tied 34-34 with the Black Panthers. They lost to the Flash 20-7 but then beat up on the Cougars 45-0 and got revenge against the Molosses defeating them 24-20.
Thonon quarterback K’Hari Lane (Fayetteville State) who took over from Jose Tabora Jr., has become one of the leading passers in France throwing for 1,172 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has combined with receivers Felix Durand, Leo Sarsteel, and Benjamin Lolomede along with tight end Odel Turnbull to produce one of the top two offenses in the league.
Defensively, the Black Panthers are led by Valentine Roesch and Abedel Bafdile along with talented defensive back Tyron Smile.
For Rouen, Jaran Roste has thrown for 839 yards and seven scores while Donovan Isom has thrown for 486 yards and three touchdowns. Roste is also the leading ball carrier for the Leopards with 51 carries for 264 yards and three scores.