Warsaw Eagles soar past Stockholm Mean Machines in CEFL debut

The Warsaw Eagles (1-0) stunned the Stockholm Mean Machines (0-1) with a commanding 40-21 victory in their Central European Football League debut, capitalizing on a explosive second-half performance at Zinkensdamms IP in Stockholm this past weekend.

Early fireworks fizzle for Stockholm
The Mean Machines roared to life instantly, with QB Dawson Herl launching a 53-yard touchdown strike to WR Matthew Retzlaff on the game’s opening drive. A relentless defense, featuring sacks and CB Anthony Zamorano’s interception, extended the lead to 13-0 as Herl connected with RB Senay Tadesse. But the Eagles clawed back late in the first quarter, fueled by RB Bartosz Gnoza’s short TD run after a 45-yard kick return by Darius Lewis.

Warsaw’s second-quarter surge
QB Jacob Schimenz ignited the Eagles’ offense, threading a 22-yard TD to WR Krzysztof Nosow to snatch a 14-13 lead. Schimenz then exploited Stockholm’s secondary, hitting Nosow again (21-13) and WR Kornel Witkowski (27-13) before halftime. Herl’s 12-yard TD to Retzlaff and a 2-point conversion narrowed the gap to 21-27, but a blocked field goal by Stockholm’s defense preserved momentum shifts.

Defensive stalemate in third
Both defenses dominated a scoreless third quarter, with Stockholm forcing two fumbles near their goal line. However, the Eagles stifled Herl’s efforts, holding the Mean Machines to 23 total yards in the period.

Schimenz dashed hopes of a comeback early in the fourth, scrambling for a 7-yard TD (33-21). After recovering a fumble at Stockholm’s 5-yard line, Gnoza spun through defenders for his second score, cementing the 40-21 rout.

Postgame insights
“Our offense found its rhythm, and the defense delivered when it mattered,” said Warsaw HC Marek Nowak. Stockholm’s Lars Eriksson lamented missed opportunities: “We lost composure after halftime. Credit to Warsaw — they capitalized on every mistake.”

The Eagles’ 412 total yards (298 passing) overshadowed Stockholm’s early promise, while Schimenz (3 TDs, 0 INTs) outdueled Herl (2 TDs, 1 INT). Warsaw’s debut announces their CEFL ambitions, while Stockholm seeks answers after their elimination from the tournament.