China: Three key matchups in North Division take CNFL season into midpoint

The North Division of the Chinese National Football League kicked off its second round of games this past weekend with three key games.

The Beijing Commander took the 2,400 km round trip to Harbin to face the Tigers while the Shijiazhuang Liberators hosted the Qingdao Conquerors in a matchup of teams who won their season openers. Finally, the Shenyang Hunters faced the Jinan Mammoths in a grudge match between old rivals.

Commander Air Raid overpowers Harbin Tigers

In a matchup of teams that lost their season openers, the Beijing Commander were able to even their record at 1-1 by using their passing attack to come away with a 34-12 victory over the Harbin Tigers. Commander quarterback Hester was the star of the day, throwing for four touchdowns and running for one more.

Qingdao Conquerors pick off Liberators

The Shijiazhuang Liberators hosted the Qingdao Conquerors in a match of 1-0 teams, and the Conquerors were able to move to 2-0 with a 21-6 victory. Once again, the difference in a Qingdao victory was their defense, which continues to be absolutely smothering with a second consecutive game with 3+ interceptions.

Shenyang Hunters down Jinan in huge rivalry game

Last season, the Jinan Mammoths and the Shenyang Hunters met in the short-lived North-South League’s championship game, which ended in a Hunters victory. Shenyang was the victim of a massive upset by the Changchun Icebreakers in Week 1. At the same time, the Mammoths enjoyed a relatively comfortable win over the Beijing Cyclones. With the Hunters not wanting to fall into an 0-2 hole, they were able to use big plays in the passing game to break open the game in the second half and come away with a 34-21 victory and even their record at 1-1.