Road to Tulip Bowl XXXI & Dutch American Football Title Begins This Sunday

[tps_title]2015 Dutch Season Preview[/tps_title]

The Dutch American football association, American Football Bond Nederland (AFBN), kicks off its 2015 season this Sunday.

For the first time in many years they have returned to an eight team league, divided into two divisions. Full schedule and standings can be found here.

The Alphen Eagles, Arnhem Falcons, Nijmegen Pirates and Rotterdam Trojans (new) make up Group A while the Amsterdam Crusaders, Amsterdam Panthers, Hilversum Hurricanes and Leiden Lightning (new) comprise Group B.

The Alphen Eagles will begin defense of their 2014 Tulip Bowl Dutch American Football title on February 1 against the Nimegen Pirates. The Eagles are looking to capture their fourth championship in a row, but this season they will have some stiff competition. This year’s Tulip Bowl is set for July 5.

The Eagles won their third straight title last season in a 14-12 nail-biter win against the Amsterdam Crusaders in Tulip Bowl XXX last July . Watch the highlight film of that game here.

2014 Tulip Bowl XXX Highlights

Now let’s meet the teams in Holland’s top American football league!

Click NEXT!

[tps_title]Alphen Eagles[/tps_title]

The Alphen Eagles enjoyed an undefeated season in 2014 under the tutelage of Head Coach Errol Zeefuik.Quarterback Richard Bouthoorn, who is also the starting quarterback for the Dutch Lions, Holland’s national team, returns giving the offense the most potent attack in the league.

He relies on national team running back Chris Smith to carry much of the load. Tom van Duijn,  Maarten van Bergen, Stefan van der Neut and Berend van der Zaag add to opposition problems. On defense, defensive end Erwin Gloudemans will be a force again in 2015.

[tps_title]Amsterdam Crusaders[/tps_title]

Head coach Winston Ronde, also the Dutch national team coach, will look to return to championship form after losing only two games in 2014, both to the Eagles, and both by the narrowest of margins.

The Crus‘ keys on offense include quarterback Joey Kraan. Look for wide receiver Revelinho Graanoogst and running back Miquel Castelen to provide firepower. On defense, linebacker Kevin Bourne will continue to cause problems for opposing offenses.

[tps_title]Amsterdam Panthers[/tps_title]

The Panthers are aiming to improve on their 2-5 season in 2014.

Kevin Dobbins returns as the head coach after spending a couple of years as the defensive coordinator due to work commitments. His squad is very cohesive but two players stand out on the Panthers. Offensive lineman Ryan Kreijne anchors one of the best O-lines in Holland while Sean Richards in the defensive secondary is a veteran with speed. National team defensive back Sven Jansen returns as well along with Joey ter meulen.

[tps_title]Arnhem Falcons[/tps_title]

The Falcons had a good season in 2014, finishing second in scoring with 174 points in seven games. They were bounced in the playoffs by the Eagles but head coach Martin Doomen is looking to improve on that. Two keys to the offense will be returning: quarterback AJ Hobbelink and running back Joost Holstag. On defense, linebacker Lennard Harris is a key.

[tps_title]Nijmegen Pirates[/tps_title]

The Nijmegen Pirates open their season facing league champions the Alphen Eagles. Head Coach Harald Westemeyer will have his hands full and realizes he is the hunt to survive in 2015.

With the lowest scoring offense in Holland in 2014 (41 points) they can only get better. Two standout players are tight end Jeroen van Hilten and wide receiver Bart Ebben, an important veteran for the Pirates.

[tps_title]Rotterdam Trojans[/tps_title]

Head coach Michel Storms‘ Rotterdam Trojans will be in tough in 2015 after qualifying for the top division. They share Group B with both the Eagles and the Falcons. But quarterback Leroy ter Haar is a veteran and very mobile. He can keep defenses honest. On defense, defensive tackle Kevin Verlaan makes life difficult for opposing offensive linemen.

[tps_title]Hilversum Hurricanes[/tps_title]

Edwin Braakman is returning as head coach of the Hurricanes and after a winless (0-7) season in 2014 his team can only get better. With national team quarterback Maruice Tielen under center and national team defensive back Dennis de Wit roaming the secondary, they may be able to battle for a playoff spot in 2015.

[tps_title]Leiden Lightning[/tps_title]

Head Coach Dick van Hirtum will have a tough time as the Lightning returns to the top division. Nevertheless, with both the Panthers and Hurricanes coming off poor seasons, the Lightning could have a chance of finishing second in Group B. Tight end  Brian Spapens and running back Glenn “Cannonball” van Gorcum anchor the offense.