The Hungarian Football League enters its second weekend of play with some exciting games. On April 22nd, the Győr Sharks will visit the Budapest Cowbells, while the Eger Heroes will host the Budapest Wolves. One day later, title holder Miskolc Steelers will travel to play the DAK Acél Dunaújváros Gorillaz.
Eger Heroes (1-0) – Budapest Wolves (0-1)
Photo: Tenk
The Heroes began this season with an impressive 40-18 win over the Győr Sharks. Eger’s power running game was on full display with Anthony Green and Gergő Vakarcs leading the way. They will give the Wolves problems. The defense looked to be in good shape as well. However, the Heroes’ secondary might face some difficulties since Chris Hall is out because of injury.
This week might be a turning point for the Budapest Wolves. A new sponsor has joined the team, thus, they could bring two new imports. Both Michael McCrary and Xavier Marsden could strengthen the Wolves’ secondary, since the squad was running low on quality defensive backs. The question is if they can stop the Heroes after their good championship start.
Budapest Cowbells (0-1) – Győr Sharks (0-1)
Photo: Váradi-Király
The Cowbells have opened the season with two defeats: one in the HFL to the Steelers and another one in the CEFL to Serbia’s Vukovi Belgrade. Nevertheless, in the CEFL game against Vukovi they put up a solid performance. The Cowbells’ passing game dominated and the defense had improved since the Steelers game. Karim Trabelsi’s team seems to be back on track, but they have to prove it in front of their home crowd.
After a 40-18 loss to the Heroes in Győr, the Sharks needed time to make some modifications in the offense. Quarterback Phillip Garcia had some good moments in the game but the receivers had a lot of drops. In addition, the defense needs to improve as well, especially in stopping the running game. If head coach John Burleson has been able to make adjustments, then the Sharks may have a shot in defeating the Cowbells this Saturday.
DAK Acél Dunaújváros Gorillaz (1-0) -Miskolc Steelers (1-0)
Photo: Kárpáti
Two solid defenses will take the field on Sunday in Dunaújváros. The Gorillaz pass rush worked out pretty well in the first round against the Wolves. Pál Tanács had three sacks in that game and he will surely put pressure on quarterback Vasyl Yordan. In addition, Victor Allen Williams and Richard Chimmy Chungong will have a lot of work during the game against the Steelers’ receivers.
Miskolc’s defense also looked good in the season opener. The Ukrainian legion gave a strong boost. However, Vasyl Yordan and the receivers may have a tough game because of Dunaújváros’ defensive backs. Nonetheless, the visitors’ running game and Lesiv Pavlo might be the key for the next victory. This game could be the most exciting match-up of the weekend.
Photos: Péter Bratincsák, Gábor Kárpáti, László Tenk, Váradi-Király Photo