Thrilling Fog Bowl in Sweden: Stockholm Mean Machines outlast AIK in shootout
In an Easter weekend spectacle shrouded in thick fog at Bergshamra IP, the Stockholm Mean Machines (3–0) outdueled AIK (1–2) 42–37 in a chaotic, high-octane Superserien clash, cementing their early-season dominance while AIK’s gritty effort fell just short.
A Foggy Shootout Unfolds
The eerie atmosphere set the stage for a back-and-forth thriller. AIK, led by backup-turned-hero QB Max Lambert, stunned Stockholm early, forcing a fumble on the opening drive and capitalizing with a 7–0 strike to Luke Lambert. But Mean Machines’ star QB Dawson Herl answered, orchestrating a rapid response capped by Kasper Wedberg’s 1-yard plunge. The seesaw battle intensified: Lambert connected with Gustaf Ras for a 13–7 lead, only for Herl to unleash Robin Gavelin Miranda’s acrobatic TD, edging Stockholm ahead 14–13.
Photo: Catfish Photo
Halftime Margin and Momentum Swings
AIK reclaimed momentum in the second quarter as Morris Rewelj bulldozed in for a TD, but Herl’s chemistry with receiver Senay Kibrom Tadesse (halftime TD) gave Stockholm a 28–23 edge at the break. The third quarter saw AIK surge again, with ex-Stockholm player Felix Grönqvist hauling in a TD and a 2-point conversion for a 31–28 lead. Yet Herl, unshaken, engineered a masterful drive culminating in David Ottander’s go-ahead score (35–31).
Fourth-Quarter Fireworks
Stockholm appeared to seal the game early in the final frame as Herl threaded a TD to Anton Blomgren (42–31). But AIK clawed back: a blocked punt set up Lambert’s desperate 4th-down TD scramble, cutting the deficit to 42–37. The 2-point attempt failed, however, and Stockholm smothered the ensuing onside kick. Herl’s calm final drive iced the win, extending the Mean Machines’ perfect start while AIK’s valiant effort underscored their growth under Lambert’s emergence.
In a game defined by fog, fireworks, and relentless drama, Stockholm’s offensive firepower proved unstoppable—but not without a fight from an AIK squad signaling they’re no easy out in 2025.
