[tps_title]2015 Norwegian American Football Federation[/tps_title]
The 2015 Norwegian season gets underway this weekend as four of the five teams in the league see action. With the folding of the defending champion Kristiansand Gladiators virtually overnight in March, the off season has not been the best in the Norwegian league.
Nevertheless, the five teams have been preparing since July and we provide a brief overview of each team here. Special thanks to Jarle Magnus Henriksen and Amerikansk Fotball in Norway for providing the information.
Vålerenga Trolls
In his third year at the helm of the Trolls head coach Scott Boer (also Team Norway’s offensive coordinator) enters the new season minus his top rated 2014 starting tailback Eirik Arnesen, who has opted to study in Italy. In his stead, Anders Nygaard and Kristoffer Løken will battle for the starting position.
On defense, linebacker Tron Christian Enersen will be a key along with veteran defensive lineman Per Helliksen.
The Trolls are playing with no true imports but Coach Boer is confident they will have a chance to make the playoffs in the trimmed down Norwegian league.
[tps_title]Oslo Vikings[/tps_title]
New head coach Jesse Alderfer is looking ahead, trying to forget last season’s dismal semifinal defeat.
I think looking at where we ended our season (4th) never looks good. But the amount we learned from last year only helped us become who we are right now.
National team running back Lorenzo Proctor is considered one of the most talented tailbacks in Norway and with offensive lineman Steve Riedel blocking for him, he could have a breakout year.
Last year’s defensive anchor, linebacker Nicolay Falch Knudsen, returns after suffering a knee injury but is fully healthy. He will be joined by import linebacker Miguel Bergey who will allow Kundsen to play more of a rover role. Italian linemen Andrea Montibello and Andrea Leoni have also returned for another season giving the Vikings experience and depth on the defensive line.
[tps_title]Eidsvoll 1814s[/tps_title]
The Eidsvoll 1814s, Norwegian finalists for the past two years, will be looking for payback in 2015 after losing the championship last year to the upstart Kristiansand Gladiators on the final play of the game.
“Losing the Championship the way we did last year has definitely hung with us, in terms of mindset when going through our practices and making sure we finish each and every drill giving optimal effort.
I consider the togetherness of our team to be our main strength. I have always felt that the way these guys are when they are with one another is stronger than any other place I’ve ever been. They really do care for one another and play for the guy next to them. A lot of teams talk family; I really feel we are one.”
New head coach John Pate has inherited a a powerhouse of a team from former head coach Geoff Buffum who has departed to coach in Switzerland. Returning is quarterback Eivind Brekke with a fine receiving corps to throw to in Arne August Skovseth Søgaard, maybe the top receiver in Norway, along with Geir Kristian Hoel. New running back Aaron Harris will add extra power in the backfield.
Linebacker Riley Bowen is back. He made plays all over the field in 2014 and his presence will again be felt on the Eidsvoll defense. Veteran defensive lineman Joachim Eliassen has reached national teams status and hard-hitting safety Brian Moro anchors a stingy defensive secondary.
With very few player defections or retirements, the 1814s seem poised to take another run at the Norwegian title.
[tps_title]Lura Bulls[/tps_title]
Following a tumultuous 2014 season which saw the Bull’s starting quarterback leave the club early in the season new head coach Kamran Fatehi will have his hands full.
The Lura defensive line is anchored by national team players Ole Petter Ølberg and Jarle Vangsnes. Behind them South Alabama linebacker Enrique Williams roams free and is considered one of the finest linebackers to play in Norway. The secondary will look to Simon Bruset to show off his talent this year and he will be ably aided by either Dominic Gould or Jorma Baily.
Last year, the departure of their starting quarterback coupled with a slew of injuries almost prevented the Bulls from making the playoffs. This year their sights are set much higher.
[tps_title]Nidaros Domers[/tps_title]
Head coach Øivind Viktor Jenssen enters his second season at the helm of the Domers. They have had a rough three years finishing last two of the past three seasons. They were close last year but a loss in the final regular season game of 2014 bumped them out of the playoffs.
Running back Sondre Vik Furuseth is a key for the Domers offense while the gun-slinging Willingham’s favorite targets are wide receivers Nicolai Nørstrud and Johan Magnusson along with inside receiver Joakim Krabbe.
The defense had a so so year in 2014, so the return of middle linebacker Øyvind Rein is important, especially after the loss of Leevi Stenbäck from Finland. One of Norway’s best safeties, Kristian Bjørnsen, will be joined in the secondary by Benjamin Hanssen who has transferred over from the Vålerenga Trolls.
The Domers are intent on making the playoffs, and then according to head coach Jenssen, “…anything can happen.”
