Calanda Broncos grind past Warsaw Eagles to reach CEFL final
The Calanda Broncos advanced to their second consecutive Central European Football League final with a gritty 17-7 semifinal victory over the Warsaw Eagles at Obere Au Stadium, leveraging a late touchdown and stifling defense to overcome the Polish champions’ physicality.
Defensive stalemate dominates early
Both teams traded punts in a scoreless first quarter, with Warsaw’s defense stifling Calanda’s early drives. Linebacker Kamil Ruta (8 tackles, 2 TFLs) anchored a unit that forced a turnover on downs near midfield, while Calanda’s defense countered with relentless pressure on Eagles quarterback Jake Schimenz (2 interceptions). Warsaw broke the deadlock early in the second quarter via Bartosz Gnosi’s 19-yard rushing touchdown, capping a 12-play drive.
Broncos strike back with trickery
Trailing 7-0, Calanda responded with a 46-yard trick play: quarterback Robin Sennrich lateraled to Max Gray, who launched a deep pass to a wide-open Adrian Sünderhauf for the tying touchdown. Kicker Jonas Scheidegger added a 27-yard field goal before halftime for a 10-7 lead, set up by linebacker Lucio Tettamanti’s interception off a deflected pass by Andre Blackett.
Photo: @stockpix_sergio
Defenses tighten in second half
Warsaw’s offense faltered after halftime, managing just 54 total yards in the third quarter. Calanda’s defensive line, led by tackles Silvan Jörg and Sandro Burki, neutralized Gnosi (18 carries, 67 yards) and forced three three-and-outs. Warsaw’s defense kept hope alive, with Adam Dobkowski (10 tackles) and Konrad Paszkiewicz (2 sacks) containing Sennrich’s passing attack, but missed opportunities—including a 53-yard field goal attempt by Kornel Witkowski—proved costly.
Bachofen seals victory late
With 1:34 remaining, Calanda iced the game behind a dominant offensive line. Running back Noah Bachofen (22 carries, 89 yards) powered through tackles for a 2-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 17-7. Warsaw’s final drive ended with Schimenz’s second interception, clinching Calanda’s berth in the CEFL final.
Key performers
- Noah Bachofen: 89 rushing yards, game-sealing TD
- Max Gray: Trick-play TD pass, 3 receptions for 42 yards
- Lucio Tettamanti: Interception, 7 tackles
- Kamil Ruta: 8 tackles, 2 TFLs for Warsaw
Road to the final
The Calanda Broncos will face the Thonon Black Panthers in the CEFL final on June 21, seeking redemption after falling to Thonon in the 2024 semifinals. Warsaw’s historic European campaign ends despite victories over the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns and Stockholm Mean Machines, with head coach Piotr Czaykowski praising his team’s “relentless defensive effort.”
Legacy and outlook
Calanda’s victory underscored their adaptability, blending trick plays with a ground-and-pound philosophy. For Warsaw, the loss highlighted offensive inconsistencies but solidified their status as Poland’s premier football export. The Broncos now turn their focus to Thonon..
