The Calanda Broncos advanced to the European Cup semifinals with a commanding 49-0 victory over Serbia’s Kragujevac Wild Boars on Saturday evening. Played at Obere Au Stadium in Chur, the quarterfinal clash drew 1,000 spectators, including local dignitaries and sports figures such as Olympic ski champion Carlo Janka and ice hockey legend Jan von Arn. The Swiss champions dominated from start to finish, showcasing their status as a rising force in European football.
Touchdown avalanche in Chur
The Calanda Broncos wasted no time asserting control. Running back Eric Rageth opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown rush, setting the tone for a relentless offensive showcase. Quarterback Robin Sennrich followed with a 27-yard touchdown run, while Noah Bachofen added a 30-yard score to extend the lead to 21-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Broncos’ defense also shone, with Matthias Tannò intercepting a pass to halt the Wild Boars’ lone early drive into Broncos territory.
Calanda DB Matthias Tannò celebrating an interception. Photo: Sergio Brunetti/stockpix.it
Second-quarter surge seals fate
The onslaught continued in the second quarter. Sennrich connected with receiver Max Gray for a 42-yard touchdown pass, and Ameld Adjovi powered in another score to push the lead to 35-0 before halftime. The Wild Boars, visibly disjointed, struggled to counter the Broncos’ pace and precision. Patrick Grand’s interception late in the half epitomized their frustration, leading to another Sennrich-to-Gray touchdown and a 49-0 margin after three quarters.
A weekend to forget for Kragujevac
The Kragujevac Wild Boars faced adversity beyond the field. Their coach’s car accident near Vienna delayed their arrival in Chur until game day, compounding on-field struggles. Penalties nullified their only promising kickoff returns, and the team failed to penetrate the Broncos’ defense. The lopsided defeat highlighted the gap between the Serbian runners-up and Europe’s elite.
Looking ahead to the semifinals
The Calanda Broncos now await the winner of the quarterfinal between Germany’s Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns and Poland’s Warsaw Eagles, set to face them in Chur on May 31. While the semifinal promises tougher competition, the Broncos’ flawless execution—both domestically and in Europe—cements their reputation as a continental contender. For now, the Obere Au Stadium crowd can savor a performance that reaffirmed their team’s place among Europe’s football elite.
Source: GRHeute