The Swedish Superserien playoffs continue Sunday, October 11 with the Carlstad Crusaders hosting the Örebro Black Knights.
The two teams squared off against each other twice already this season splitting the series with the Crusaders taking the first game 14-6 and Orebro getting their revenge in Game #2, winning it 20-13.
The Carlstad Crusaders enter the playoffs with a lot of momentum. The team is coming off of a huge victory last weekend shutting out the Stockholm Mean Machines and winning big (20-0) at home. The victory was part of a great day defensively for the Crusaders. Linebacker Christian Kylenstierna absolutely took over the game collecting 2.5 sacks, 13 tackles, and a forced fumble. If the Crusaders defense plays like this again they will be a tough team to beat. Defensive back Darius Lewis on the defensive performance:
“We have demonstrated the potential we hold deep within, and the time to reveal and express that is now or never.”
Örebro Black Knights @ Carlstad Crusaders, Oct. 11, 13:00 CET (07:00 ET)(Geoblocked in Sweden)
Offensively the Crusaders added athlete Niko Lester before last week regular season finale. Lester is a European veteran who is coming over after the cancellation of the Danish season. In his first game with the Crusaders he made a huge impact giving them the spark they needed on offense. Lester showed his versatility as he played running back and wide receiver, and ended the day with 152 total yards. The consistent play of quarterback Danny Farley and running back Emil Knuttson, combined with the addition of the Lester’s playmaking have the potential to make this offense very dangerous. The development of Carlstad’s offense could be the difference in this semi final, as the last two matchup between these teams were close fought defensive battles.
The Örebro Black Knights go into this game with some new faces as well. The team announced it had signed German linebacker Niko Knoblauch before their last game against Uppsala. Knoblauch is also coming from the Danish league and was actually teammates with Lester for the Triangle Razorbacks. The Örebro defense has played very well this year against Carlstad holding them to a average of only 13.5 points.
The Black Knights have centered their offense around running back Mike Gentili. Gentili has been getting plenty of touches lining up in the slot and as a running back behind quarterback Jake Sisson. Gentili on the matchup:
“I think our offense versus their defense is a great matchup, they just shut out the top offense in Sweden with the Stockholm Mean Machine, so they will be riding high. We were able to move the ball fairly well against them last time. We’re hoping to replicate that success.”
Quarterback Jake Sisson is healthy again and has flashed some great throws this season when he has been able to play. The team also uses athletic quarterback Dammy Agbabiaka in certain situations. Agbabiaka has used his arm and his legs to be create big plays for Örebro this year.
Look for this to be a very close game as both matchups earlier this year were exciting battles. The Carlstad Crusaders will be looking to get to the championship and retake the Superserien throne, while the Black Knights have championship aspirations of their own.
Watch the game live here. Örebro Black Knights @ Carlstad Crusaders, Oct. 11, 13:00 CET (07:00 ET) (Geoblocked in Sweden)
Carlstad Crusaders roster (click image to enlarge)
Örebro Black Knights Roster (Click image to enlarge)
