The Marseilles Blue Stars (0-0) will host the Toulouse Ours (0-1) in French Elite D1 Conference B action Saturday, February 17.
The Blue Stars scheduled game against the Grizzlys Catalans was postponed two weeks ago due to road blockages making it impossible for the Grizzlys to arrive at the game on time.
While Marseilles was idle, the Ours opened the 2024 season with a 21-13 loss to the Aix Argonautes.
The Blue Stars, French championship runners up in 2023, have been one of the tougher teams in the FFFA South the past few seasons under head coach Bavuong Souphanthavong, and this year seems no different. Last year they fell just short of the championship losing to the Thonon Black Panthers in the title game.
They have re-signed respected French players in quarterback Haydrien Lynda, linebacker Eddy Abdullah, and defensive back Pierre Nana. Offensively, receivers Gabriel Marin Bisson and Vincent Moteiro return as well as offensive lineman Nasser Assoumani. In addition, the team has signed Canadian offensive lineman Olivier Fournier (Bishop’s University) and American linebacker John Rincon (Baker University).
The Ours are led by head coach Stephane Murat for the 2024 season. On offense, he relies on quarterback Nicolas Diaz who threw a touchdown pass in last week’s loss. However, they averaged just 18 points a game last season and will need to improve to challenge again for the playoffs. Defensively, they have brought back national team linebacker Dorian Longhini and wide receiver Louis Salvagniac.
This will be a tough road trip for Toulouse as the Blue Stars seem to be planning on improving on last season and winning it all.
Toulouse Ours @ Marseilles Blue Stars,
Feb. 27, 19:45 CET (7:45 pm, 1:45 pm ET)
