Switzerland: Calanda Broncos still undefeated after win against the Basel Gladiators

AFI | American Football | 04/10/2018

Photo: grheute.ch.

The Calanda Broncos can’t be stopped at the moment: In a 2017 Swiss Bowl rematch, the men from the Grison Alps defeated the Basel Gladiators 37-10 in dominating fashion. With that win, the Broncos sit on top of Switzerland’s NLA standings after week three.

The presumed revenge by Basel never had a chance, as the Broncos led throughout the game. However, the outlook for Calanda before the game was grim due to injuries to quarterback Clark Evans and defensive lineman Jeff Worthy. This paved the way for Jamal Clay, who had not played quarterback since high school before this game.

He didn’t need long to get back into the groove, as he scored the first touchdown of the day by himself. Clay then showed his passing abilities with a touchdown pass to Adrian Sünderhauf.

Broncos’ head coach Geoff Buffum had nothing but praise for his quarterback:

“Jamal really did a superb job. We were absolutely convinced that Jamal was an all round talent and backup quarterback before the season, and he proved our trust in him by leading his team to victory.”

The Broncos stayed dominant in the second quarter. A touchdown by Leon Fehr, a safety by Timmi Rysgaard and Sünderhauf’s second touchdown gave the Broncos a comfortable 30-3 lead, before Basel cut the lead to 30-10.

Said Buffum after the game:

“We were able to move the chains really well with our rushing game today. At the same time, our defense was able to put a lot of pressure on the Gladiators’ quarterback.”

This all without the aforementioned injury to Worthy, who along with Evans is expected to return on April 29th against Brussels in a EFL home game.

Marco Mahrer, once a safety turned linebacker, moved to defensive end and disrupted Basel’s offense with the help of his former youth team colleague Mauro Bühler.

Apart from a touchdown by running back Steffen Haenelt, the second half wasn’t eventful. The early and huge lead gave the Broncos the chance to put in backup players to get meaningful snaps and playing experience.

With three blowout victories, the Broncos are off to a perfect start. Games will not be easier from now on; In the next three weeks, The Broncos have to travel to Bern to play the Grizzlies, then play the Geneva Seahawks, who have already beaten the Gladiators this season 57:39, in their home stadium. After that, the Broncos will host the Brussels Tigers for a European Football League match.