The Helvetic Mercenaries (0-0) face the expansion Nordic Storm (0-0) in a pivotal ELF South Conference clash, marking Switzerland’s franchise reboot after a 1-11 2024 season and the Storm’s league debut.
Mercenaries’ offensive revival
Dual-threat quarterback Isaiah Weed (Cologne Centurions) leads an overhauled attack, supported by NFL veteran receiver Keelan Cole (2,832 career NFL yards) and 2024 ELF Rookie of the Year Milan Spiller (1,008 yards). Finnish lineman Aleksi Närhi (Helsinki Roosters) anchors a retooled offensive line.
Coaching leadership
Head coach Marcus Herford, who guided the Hildesheim Invaders to a 2023 GFL semifinal run, prioritizes disciplined, energetic football. His staff includes defensive strategist Wood and ex-NFL assistants Chris Scelfo (OL) and Joshua Fitzgerald (WR).
Defensive reinforcements under Wood
New defensive coordinator Michael Wood, architect of Finland’s Helsinki Roosters championship defense in 2024, joins forces with A-import De’Marco Artis (12 sacks in 2023) and veteran safety Jocques Crawford (2022 ELF All-Star). Wood’s aggressive schemes aim to improve a unit that allowed 34.1 points per game last season.
Storm’s MVP-powered attack
2023 ELF MVP quarterback Jadrian Clark and 2024 MVP running back Glen Toonga (1,400+ rushing yards) reunite after back-to-back Rhein Fire titles. Clark targets receivers Theodor Landström (Hamburg Sea Devils), Adria Botella Moreno, and Danish speedster Edwin Almeida.
Storm’s defensive pedigree
Coordinator Brandon Noble (Hamburg Sea Devils) builds around 2023 tackle leader Luke Glenna (137 tackles) and ballhawk Exavier Edwards (Vienna Vikings). Linebacker Emil Hovde (Berlin Thunder) and corner Chad Walrond (Stuttgart Surge) bolster the secondary.
Key matchup: Weed vs. Storm’s front
Weed’s mobility tests Nordic’s disciplined front, while Clark’s deep-ball precision challenges Wood’s rebuilt defense. Herford’s emphasis on growth clashes with Storm head coach John Shoop’s NFL-tested adaptability.
Regional identity
The Storm blend Danish talent Anton Witmeur and center Joachim Christensen with MVP imports. Helvetic counters with Swiss standout Spiller and Herford’s developmental focus.
Both teams seek validation: Helvetic aims to shed 2024’s struggles, while Nordic targets immediate relevance. A win here sets the tone for their 2025 campaigns.