Friday night Football is back in Sweden for the second week in a row as the Uppsala 86ers host the Carlstad Crusaders as the Swedish Superserien hits the midpoint of the season.
Uppsala is 0-2 so far in this short season and would love nothing more than to get a quality win in front of their home fans! Carlstad on the other hand has a chance to improve to a 2-1 record this week.
The visiting Carlstad Crusaders go into week 3 with a 1-1 record. Both of their games have been close low scoring games decided by one score. Last week they beat a solid Örebro Black Knights team at home 14-6. The Crusaders offense struggled last week gaining only 159 total yards on the day. Most of which came from quarterback Danny Farley who was 8-12 passing for 86 yards and a touchdown. His favorite target was receiver Jacob Bergwall who had 79 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving.
Carlstad Crusaders @ Uppsala 86ers, Sept. 4, 18:30 CET (12:30 ET)
Defensively the Crusaders shut down the Black Knights holding them to only 72 total yards and forcing three interceptions. Darius Lewis was an impact player for Carlstad’s defense as he had an interception, three tackles, blocked a field goal, and a blocked extra point. Lewis had some thoughts on this week’s matchup.
“There’s no doubt at all that Uppsala has weapons in the backfield, and it is another step in the right direction. Last week our pass game was tested. This week, our run game will be tested. Our guys are excited for the opportunity to play a quality backfield, because playing the best will bring the best out of you.”
For the 86ers they have lost two games in a row. Last week they were dominated by the Stockholm Mean Machines losing 41-0. A bright spot for Uppsala was their running game which totaled 94 yards most of which came from athlete Josh Akena who had 65 yards rushing. Defensively, the 86ers struggled to contain Stockholm’s athletic quarterback Tim Morovick. Look for Carlstad’s quarterback Danny Farley to use his legs this week.
A key Uppsala defender to watch is linebacker Alexander Zisoloulus who had three tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a pass breakup last week. The 86ers will need Zisoloulus and their defense to step up this week if they want to get a win at home. Akena had some thoughts on this weeks game:
“ Its going to take us learning from our mistakes last week and capitalize on the opportunities given to us. We can’t let up.. not even for one play!”
The season is young in Sweden and all four teams are trying to find their identity. Look for this to be another close game as the Crusaders look to find their groove on offense after struggling with injuries in the early part of this season. For Uppsala, this will be a great opportunity for them to get back on track with a vital win at home!
Watch the game live here. Carlstad Crusaders @ Uppsala 86ers, Sept. 4, 18:30 CET (12:30 ET)
Uppsala 86ers Roster (Click image to enlarge)
Carlstad Crusaders Roster (Click image to enlarge)
