The Carlstad Crusaders (5-1) solidified their Swedish Superserien playoff ambitions with a commanding 49-13 victory over the Stockholm Mean Machines (3-3) at Sola Arena, solidifying their playoff status and extending Stockholm’s losing streak to four games.
Early dominance establishes momentum
Missing star running backs Kasper Wedberg and David Ottander, Stockholm’s offense sputtered early. Carlstad struck first with a 7-minute opening drive capped by Slade Jarman’s touchdown pass to Matteo Mozzanica. Jarman added two second-quarter scores via connections with Jacob Bergwall (12 points total), stretching the lead to 21-0. Stockholm’s lone first-half response came on Brandon Gwinner’s touchdown pass to Matthew Retzlaff, narrowing the gap to 21-6 at halftime.
Photo: Håkan Bylund
Jarman’s precision overwhelms Stockholm
Jarman, named Carlstad’s MVP, continued his dominance in the third quarter, finding Lukas Kullstrand for a 28-6 advantage. Stockholm’s Gwinner (292 passing yards, 2 TDs) countered with a deep strike to Robin Gavelin Miranda, but Jarman’s fifth touchdown—a 17-yard toss to Rory Kelly—sealed the game at 35-13. Rookie Oliver Skoglund’s rushing score and Lucas Hedberg’s fumble-return touchdown in the fourth quarter cemented the rout. Kicker Christopher Helgar converted all seven extra-point attempts.
Stockholm’s struggles deepen
The Mean Machines, now on a four-game skid, leaned on MVP linebacker Leo Sundman’s team-high 9 tackles but couldn’t contain Carlstad’s 469-yard offensive onslaught. With critical absences plaguing their defense and a playoff berth in jeopardy, Stockholm faces a must-win doubleheader against Tyresö.
Carlstad’s playoff path
The Crusaders, now eyeing the Superserien’s top seed, close their regular season at Limhamn (June 14) and Örebro (June 28). Two wins could secure home-field advantage, while a stumble risks dropping them to third.
Photo: Håkan Bylund
Looking ahead
For Carlstad, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum. For Stockholm, survival mode begins now. As the Superserien’s playoff race intensifies, this rivalry clash reaffirmed the Crusaders’ title credentials and exposed the Mean Machines’ vulnerabilities.