LIVESTREAM France: Thonon Black Panthers @ La Courneuve Flash, Jan. 25, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)

AFI | 2021 IFAF World Flag Football Championships | 01/25/2025

The reigning French champions, the Thonon Black Panthers, open their defense of the French Elite D1 title against arch rivals and 2024 finals opponent, the La Courneuve Flash.

These two teams squared off in the 2024 championship game with Thonon capturing their second straight title and fifth overall in defeating the Flash 37-33 in a thrilling come from behind victory.

For Thonon, Canadian Larry Legaut returns to the sideline as head coach and he has Jose Tabora Jr. back behind center. Tabora led Thonon to the 2023 title but was unable to play in 2024 due to a shoulder injury. A key addition to the offense as well will be tight end Odell Turnbull who returns after a successful 2024 season with the Black Panthers.

Leo Cremades returns as the quarterback for La Courneuve with Judson Saint-Louis also back at running back.

The Black Panthers had by far the best offense in the league in 2024 averaging 41 points a game in the regular season. La Courneuve surrendered under 10 points a game.

This will be a game between two of the top teams in Europe.