LIVESTREAM: ROBOWL XII – Bucharest Rebels vs Mures Monsters, December 4th, 11:00 CET, (11 am, 5 AM ET)
The back-to-back defending Romanian champion Bucharest Rebels have returned to the championship final. This time, they will be facing a tough and physical Mures Monsters team hoping to pull off the upset.
These two teams have been on a collision course all season dominating the league’s other opponents. The two teams met in week one of the season with the Rebels narrowly winning a 76-70 barn burner in a game that nearly broke the scoreboard.
Last season, these two met in the title game with the Rebels winning a hard-fought 40-30 game, adding even more intrigue to this title game.
The Mures Monsters and coach Lonnie Hursey have put together an impressive regular season going 4-1 and dominating every opponent except the Rebels. Today they hope to knock off the defending champs and shock the league.
The Monster’s offense features European veteran quarterback Jake Schimenz. The 5’10 passer has an exciting improvisational playing style similar to Doug Flutie or Kyler Murray. He had success playing in Poland, Germany, and Brazil before coming to Romania, winning multiple championships in his international career.
Schimenz will look to get the ball to talented receivers Jermiah Jackson and Quevin Redding. While homegrown Romanian talent Szolosi Hunor is also likely to have a big impact in today’s game.
Defensively, Romanian veterans Balázs József and Csongi Fekete anchor the front seven providing solid tackling and a good pass rush. In the secondary, Levente Lako and veteran American import Nolan Corpening have helped this defense play improve week to week as the has season wore on. American linebacker Evan Richardson also brings NCAA and European experience to the unit.
The defending champion Rebels hope to make it three straight championships in what would be a monumental three-peat. They also feature another well-travelled quarterback in Timothy Morovick. Morovick has played in Sweden, Denmark, and Poland before coming to the Romanian capital this fall.
Expect the dual-threat passer to target the talented trio of Rebels receivers in Radu Ene, Alex Irimia, and Mihai Buhlea. Up front the Rebels have a massive offensive line featuring Canadian lineman Keith Messer and 6’8 tackle Gheorghiu Stefan.
Defensively, European League of Football All–Star Zachary Blair is the leader of the defense. The speedy linebacker teams up with Matthew Barrett and former DI athlete Christopher Herring (Florida Atlantic) giving the Rebels’ defense three talented Americans that have smother opponents all season.
Fans, players, and coaches alike are very excited for this game, as the first time these two teams met the score reflected that of a up-tempo basketball game. After putting together two dominant regular seasons these two Romanian football powerhouses face off for all the marbles.
