LIVESTREAM Sweden: Carlstad Crusaders @ Örebro Black Knights, April 17, 15:00 CET (15:00, 09:00 ET)
Graphics: Igor Lazarevic
The Carlstad Crusaders open their Swedish Super Series season on the road as they head to Örebro, Sweden to face the reigning champion Örebro Black KnightsSunday, April 17th.
The Black knights has had a tough start to the 2022 season and lost its first two matches. First, they lost another heartbreaker Stockholm Mean Machines 26-23 at home at Behrn Arena and then suffered a decline in the second half in losing to Tyresö Royal Crowns 35-14.
The last time these two teams met was during the shortened season in 2021, Carlstad came away from the winner and struck down Black knights 34-27.
Örebro head coach Sam Eisenstadt:
“The last two matches have been very valuable for us. Even though we did not get the result we wanted, we learned a lot. The team’s response to setbacks has been great since the match ended in Tyresö and it really shows me how special this group of players and coaches are.Our mindset has shifted from winning and losing to embracing the process.We now take it one day at a time and take care of what is in our control rather than worrying about things beyond our control . ”
Black knights quarterback Trevor Vasey has thrown for 451 yards in the two games and five touchdowns but against Royal crowns he was mercilessly harassed by the top seven and only managed to complete nine of 37 passes at the same time as he was picked out twice. For Carlstad to have a chance in today’s game they have to find a way to put the same kind of pressure on the 6’7 pass passer otherwise he will make them pay. Running back Tim Göransson has been a workhorse who carries the ball 27 times but has only won 84 yards in the two matches. He will need to find a rhythm in today’s match. A huge weapon for Vasey is wide receiver Johannes Lindeus. The Team Sweden wideout has 237 yards reception and two touchdowns on five catches. His brother Jesper has had seven passes on 69 yards and a couple of touchdowns as well.
Defensively, the front seven is unchanged with linebacker Jonathan Armendariz leading the way with his 11.5 tackles in two games. Defensive lineman Martin Jäppinen has also made his name known on the backfields with 10 tackles. Add to that, 6’3 ″, 307-pound defensive lineman Tristen Cox, along with Team Sweden Sebastian Nilsson, and the unit looks impressive.
The Carlstad Crusaders enter the 2022 campaign with a new head coach in Daniel Holmgren, replacing BD Kennedy who has moved into the role of general manager.
Still, the offense looks somewhat familiar with the return of quarterback Tim Morovick and wide receiver Kevin Börzei. Running back Alexander Segerfeldt has also returned while the versatile Davarus Shores has been added to the receiving corps and the defensive secondary. The offensive line is anchored by Team Sweden Anton Hyvönen.
In the defense, defense veteran Olof Flemström leads a group that includes 20-year-olds Adam Classon and Linus Lindberg, both Team Sweden selection. The linebacking unit is anchored by Mattias Eriksson, winner of several titles Crusader while in the secondary, both Davarus Shores and Kevin Börzei will do double duty.
Holmgren is excited about the look of his team:
“It will be fun to follow this group and be part of the journey. We will grow as a team and develop on an individual level. We have a young and talented group of players, spiced with some of the best players in their positions in Sweden. ”
They match live. Carlstad Crusaders @ Örebro Black Knights, April 17, 15:00 CET (15:00, 09:00 ET))