Romania: Rebels dominate, 89ers fight their way back

By Henry Páll Wulff

Week 2 of the Romanian National League of American Football (CNFA) delivered two very different storylines: a commanding display of power from the Bucharest Rebels, and an emotional comeback victory for the returning Timișoara 89ers.

In Târgu Mureș, the Rebels extended their undefeated streak with a flawless road performance. Meanwhile, Timișoara celebrated their return to the league with a narrow but hard-earned win over the Cluj Crusaders.

Rebels silence the Monsters in Târgu Mureș

The most anticipated matchup of the week saw the reigning five-time champions, the Bucharest Rebels, visit the Mureș Monsters — a team eager to prove that their Week 1 blowout of Cluj was no fluke. But what unfolded at Transil Stadium was a statement in the opposite direction, as the Rebels overwhelmed the hosts in a 48–0 shutout.

Led by quarterback, head coach, and general manager Timothy Morovick, the Rebels were clinical from start to finish, executing with poise on both sides of the ball. Bucharest’s defense, praised for its structure and discipline, dominated the trenches, erased any run threat, and forced multiple turnovers. Offensively, the Rebels’ high-tempo passing game was firing on all cylinders, with the receiving corps showcasing its depth and versatility.

“It definitely feels good — it always does when you win, no matter the score,” said Rebels president and wide receiver Alexandru Irimia. “The weather was great, the energy was high — and everyone knows we love to throw the football. We just did what we do best.”

Irimia also credited the defensive unit for setting the tone, allowing the offense to operate freely. “Our defense was on point and gave us the chance to get out there and have a day.”

For the Monsters, it was a humbling experience. Head coach Shayan Hassanzadeh didn’t mince words after the game:

“The team that was more disciplined and physical last night won. Unfortunately, that wasn’t us.”

Hassanzadeh pointed to a few moments that could have turned the tide — including a fourth-and-long conversion and a recovered onside kick — but lamented that the team failed to capitalize.

“It doesn’t mean we won’t have the opportunities to prove ourselves throughout the season. But we didn’t do it last night.”

Quarterback Hunor Szölösi struggled under constant pressure.

“I felt like the Rebels were in fifth gear and we were stuck trying to shift into fourth,” he said. “They were all over the field. It’s hard to stay in rhythm when someone’s in your face every snap.”

Defensive leader Csongor Fekete summed it up plainly:

“We were in the right spots, we just need to finish the job.”

Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Monsters remain optimistic about the season ahead, with several young players showing flashes of potential — including wide receiver Kevin Soós.

As Hassanzadeh noted,

“This loss came early. It should serve as a wake-up call for all of us.”

Timișoara returns with a gritty win

While Saturday’s game was defined by dominance, Sunday’s contest in Timișoara offered fans a tense, back-and-forth battle filled with momentum swings. In their first official game in over two years, the Timișoara 89ers edged the Cluj Crusaders 14–12 in front of an emotional home crowd at Stadionul Textila.

The Crusaders struck early, jumping out to a 12–0 lead with solid execution and physical play. But as the game wore on, Timișoara’s defense — led by returning veteran and new defensive coordinator Patrick Török — began to take over. The Crusaders were shut out in the second half, while the 89ers rallied late in the fourth quarter to take the lead and seal the win with a clutch defensive stand. “I was really proud of how our defense stayed composed and relentless, especially when the pressure was on,” said Török. “They stuck to their fundamentals, played as a unit, and believed in the game plan. That’s what led to the key stops when we needed them most.”

“My first game as head coach was a lot of fun,” said 89ers head coach Jarrid Bryant. “There were some ups and downs, but we stayed focused. Our defense was phenomenal. Coach Patrick did an outstanding job — and it was the defense that finished the game for us with a sack.”

Bryant also praised his offense for adapting after losing starting quarterback Alexandru Rus to injury.

“We moved a few players around and leaned on our veterans. CJ and Cristi really carried us and made some big plays when we needed them.”

Veteran linebacker Michael Pope closed out the game with a crucial sack, capping off a dominant performance that included contributions on both sides of the ball. Defensive backs Ionuț Profir and Felix Raitsch also stood out with key tackles and breakups.

On the sideline, club president and long-time player Andrei Grijak experienced the rollercoaster of emotions from both roles.

“From the first second until we scored the winning touchdown, I knew we would find a way,” he said. “I’m extremely proud. The young guys stepped up in a big way. It’s not just about winning — it’s about getting better with every play.”

For the Crusaders, the loss stings — especially after controlling much of the game — but there are signs of progress. With head coach Rafael Ruiz continuing to rebuild around a core of young local players, Cluj remains focused on development and cohesion in the longer format.

Where things stand two weeks in

After two rounds, the Rebels sit comfortably atop the standings with a perfect 2–0 record and a staggering +83 point differential. The Monsters and 89ers are both 1–1, while Cluj finds itself in a familiar but frustrating spot at 0–2. With Romania’s longest CNFA season to date — six weeks of double round-robin play — there’s still time for teams to adapt, rebuild, and contend for a playoff spot.