With a repeat of the amazing 2017 French final which saw the La Courneuve Flash stage a dramatic, come-from-behind victory over the Thonon Black Panthers, the stage is set for another thriller.
The French Federation of American Football will open the 2018 season with a repeat of the 2017 final as the Flash will host the Black Panthers Saturday.
The Flash captured their 10th French title in 2017 but it was their first since 2011. The team that dominated the FFFA winning five consecutive titles between 2005 and 2009 is planning on a new dynasty.
Led by quarterback Paul Durande, the Flash will again have multiple weapons. Nicolas Khandar (Team France RB) arrives from les CAIMANS du Mans to dominate the running game. Michael Ivory (OT Georgia Tech) and Michael Montero (C/OG Florida) will make sure that the house stays solid all season long.
Head coach Nicholas Simoneau has added to his staff bringing in offensive coordinator Alex Burdette from Germany’s Hildesheim Invaders. The Flash had the top defense in France in 2017 and not much has changed.
Black Panthers head coach Fabien Ducoussohas made some changes to a team that was close to winning the title last year. He has brought in a new quarterback, Kyle Boehm from the California Golden Bears.
The Black Panthers will more than likely rely more on a passing game this season with the addition of Team France wide receiver Benjamin Plu (McGill University). Thonon has also bolstered the offensive line signing Karl Mbaka (Team France OL) who played for the Falcons last year, and Basil Weber from Switzerland.
Defensive coordinator Maxime Dupuis has returned. His secondary will be led by versatile Alpha Jalloh (Liberty University) who played for Swedish champions the Carlstad Crusaders in 2017.
The Black Panthers offense was the best in France in 2017.
So with 2017’s best offense facing the top defense, the opening game of the French season promises to be another thriller.
LIVESTREAM: France – Thonon Black Panthers @La Courneuve Flash Sat. Feb. 3 7p (1p EST)
