LIVESTREAM: Israel Bowl XI – Jerusalem Lions v. Petah Tikva Troopers Thursday, March 22, 12 noon (11a CET, 5a EST)

Israel Bowl XI takes place Thursday, March 22 as the defending champion Jerusalem “Big Blue” Lions take on the upstart Petah Tikva Troopers at the  Kraft Family Sports Campus.

For the Lions, this is the sixth trip to the championship final in Israel while this is the first time Petah Tikva will appear in the game. Jerusalem has won two titles including in 2017 when they defeated the Tel Aviv Pioneers in overtime. While this is the first time the Troopers have made it to the final in league history, many of their players have been there before, winning titles with the Rebels in Israel Bowls VIII and IX.

These two teams have faced each other twice this season with Jerusalem coming out on top both times, winning 34-20 in November and then trouncing the injury-depleted Troopers 46-0 two months ago.

For this game, the Troopers are healthy as they proved in their 46-30 semifinal win over the Judean Rebels. Jerusalem downed the Tel Aviv Pioneers 54-12 to reach the final.

Jerusalem finished the season with an 8-0-1 record with the only blemish being in the opening game of the season when they tied the Judean Rebels 26-26. Petah Tikva took a tougher route to the final but still finished with a 6-3 record. The Troopers defeated the Silverbacks in the quarterfinals while the Lions had a bye.

Watch Israel Bowl XI. Jerusalem Lions v. Petah Tikva Troopers Thursday, March 22, 12 noon (11a CET, 5a EST)

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