LIVESTREAM French Semifinal: Thonon Black Panthers @ Marseille Blue Stars, June 15, 20:30 CET (8:30 pm, 2:30 pm EDT)

AFI | American Football | 06/15/2024

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

The Marseille Blue Stars will host the defending champion Thonon Black Panthers Saturday, June 15 in the French D1 Elite semifinals.

The Blue Stars finished first in Conference B earning a bye into the semifinal round. Meanwhile, Thonon, winners of the 2023 French title, had to play a wild card playoff game last week in which they defeated the Nice Dauphins 30-0.

These two teams faced each other in the 2023 championship game with Thonon coming away 35-18 winners, capturing their fourth French title.

Blue Stars quarterback Hadrian Lynda was the second leading passer in the league having thrown for 1,588 yards and 12 touchdowns but tossed 15 picks. Pedro Rosa has caught 50 passes for 593 yards, good for second overall in France, while teammate Vincent Monteiro has 39 receptions for 477 yards and six touchdowns.

The Black Panthers averaged 27 points a game while surrendering 15.1 while Marseille’s offense was not quite as prolific averaging 21 points a contest while the defense surrendered just under 14.

Thonon quarterback K’Hari Lane wound up fourth in passing this season having thrown for 1,493 yards and 19 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Wide receiver Odell Turnbull led the Black Panthers with 28 receptions for 458 yards and five touchdowns. Lucas Davoine was Thonon’s leading rusher with 64 carries for 320 yards and four touchdowns.