Kristiansand Gladiators (2-1) will host the Vålerenga Trolls (0-3) on this Sunday afternoon Norwegian football matchup.
The Trolls are in search of their first win of the season against a Gladiators squad looking to build off a historic upset over the Oslo Vikings last week.
The Gladiators were able to take down the Norwegian powerhouse Oslo Vikings 15-14 last week with a clutch blocked field goal from offensive lineman David Beale. Beale used all his size and strength and was able to block the attempt and secure the upset victory. Kristiansand will look to build off the momentum, take this newfound confidence, and redirect it towards a post-season push.
Offensively, strong running from quarterback Erlend Lien has been an effective tool for coach Leo Billgren’s offense. When passing, Lien will look to find receivers Axel Alenius Marlon Wayne Hylton.
On the visiting side, Trolls head coach Le’Von Warr has a young team led by quarterback Johannes Moe and running back Andreas Henstein. The two youngsters will try to get creative and put up some points against a Gladiator’s defense that has been allowed opponents nearly 27 points per game.
Defensively, Vålerenga Trolls linebackers Atle Haaland and Christoffer Delgado are key to the front seven with a secondary anchored by defensive back Roger Kleivdal. However, the Trolls will need to figure out a way to gang tackle as their defense is giving up nearly 40 points a game. Expect coach Warr to bring the blitz in order to slow down the Kristiansand offense.
The Gladiators have a chance today to show the rest of the league that they are legit title contenders. On the other hand, the Trolls could take advantage of a Kristiansand team looking ahead following their upset victory and steal a win on the road.
