The Carlstad Crusaders (3-0) will be looking to keep their unbeaten streak alive in the Swedish Superserien when they travel to Stockholm to face AIK (1-1) in a game that is of significance for both squads this early in the season.
Carlstad needs the win to keep pace with the Stockholm Mean Machines in the standings while a victory would be huge for AIK who sit fourth in the eight team league.
AIK gave up a late touchdown plus the two-point conversion to the Kristianstad Predators in their first game of the season last week to lose 21-20. However, they atoned for the loss by beating the Limhamn Griffins 15-8 last week in Limhamn.
The Crusaders whipped the Kristianstad Predators 42-6 to open the season and then got by the Tyresö Royal Crowns 24-21. Last week they manhandled the Oslo Vikings whipping them 41-6 at home.
Watch live PPV. Carlstad Crusaders @ AIK Stockholm, May 4, 14:00 CET (2 pm, 8 am EDT).
AIK signal caller Carl Viktor Ekberg has thrown for a total of 164 yards and two touchdowns in the two games while backup Max Lambert stepped in last week completing 6 of 10 passes for 44 yards and a score. Receiver Oliver Langlais is the favorite target with 11 receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown. AIK’s ground game relies on running back Edgar Wallén who is fourth in the league in rushing with 35 carries for 142 yards and one score. AIK will definitely try to keep the ball on the ground today.
Defensively, veteran linebacker Joshua Akena continues to shine and has racked up 13.5 tackles.
For Carlstad, quarterback Slade Jarman (Fort Valley State, NCAA Div. II) as been outstanding having thrown for 826 yards and 10 touchdowns so far although he has also tossed four interceptions. Dutch receiver Willem Van Compernolle is his favorite target and leads the league with 20 catches for 288 yards and five touchdowns with Albin Forsman (12 rec,246 yds, 3 TDs) and Finnish wide out Kristian Natunen (14 rec, 242 yds, 2 TDs) right behind in second and third in the Superserien. Running back Young Kennedy is the league’s top rusher having carried the ball 37 times for 351 yards and four scores.
This will be a tough challenge for the home team. The Crusaders are playing lights out football right now. Hopefully, home field will help the Stockholm squad weather the onslaught but it won’t be easy.