The defending and back-to-back Italian champions, the Milano Seamen will open the 2019 season in Italy’s Division I at home against the Bergamo Lions.
These two teams met only once during the regular season in 2018 with the Seamen winning 52-14.
Milano went on to an unbeaten season in Italy, beating the Bolzano Giants to win their second straight Italian Bowl and fourth in five years. The Lions struggled through an injury-riddled year finishing with a 3-7 record and out of the playoffs.
Seamen head coach Michael Wood is entering the season with his championship team more or less intact.
Starting quarterback Luke Zahradka returns for his third season with Milano. Zahradka was the second leading passer in Italy with his 2,385 and league-best 40 TDs. In 2017, he finished third after throwing for 2,154 yards and 23 TDs. .He is joined by wide receiver Xavier Mitchell, who may well be one of the finest receivers/athletes in Europe. Mitchell was a key factor in the Semen’s march to the Italian championship title. During the regular season he finished with 946 yards and also a league-best 18 TD receptions. He also led the league in touchdowns scored with 22. The only change is the addition of defensive back Anthony Sherrils from the University of Missouri (NCAA Div. I, FBS). The 6’0″, 200 lb Sherrils from Kansas City, Missouri, played four years at the University of Missouri where he recorded 198 tackles while playing in a total of 49 games for the Tigers. He has been clocked at 4.36 in the 40 yard dash which will make life for opposing receivers tough.
The head coach for Bergamo, veteran Adam Rita will rely on young Italian quarterback Andrea Fimiani. Finiani played six games at quarterback for the Lions in 2018 throwing for 750 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for another 366 and two scores. He will be joined in the backfield by versatile running back/quarterback Alexander Germany (San Jose State) who is in his sixth season playing in Europe. He spent the 2018 season with UTA Pesaro in Italy. He played for the Bolzano Giants (2013, 2014 & 2016) and spent one season (2015) with the Saarland Hurricanes in the German Football League. Bergamo’s only other import is defensive back Dejvion Steward from Tiffin University. Steward spent the 2018 season with the Bolzano Giants, helping them reach the Italian Bowl.
Watch the game live here. Bergamo Lions @Milano Seamen, Sat. March 9, 6p CEST (12p EST)
