QB Duel: Tartu Titans’ veteran Sellis battles Kaunas Dukes’ unbeaten Mockus in Baltic Bowl VII
Baltic Bowl VII features a classic quarterback showdown, pitting the veteran savvy of Estonia’s Tartu Titans‘ Ott Sellis against the undefeated confidence of Lithuania’s Kaunas Dukes‘ Arturas Mockus. This championship clash is more than just a game; it’s a battle of contrasting eras and experiences that will decide who hoists the trophy.
The seasoned veteran
For Titans quarterback Ott Sellis, Baltic Bowl VII is familiar territory. As he noted, “It’s my 4th time in the Baltic Finals… If I am not mistaken. 2013 I won with Titans and played in the finals 2015, 2017 and 2018.” His perspective is built on this deep well of experience, acknowledging the unique challenges of this specific matchup. He points to the Dukes’ aggressive, pressure-heavy defense as the primary obstacle, stating, “The Dukes are a very aggressive team, so we expect a lot of pressure, blitzes and stunts.”
Reflecting on their regular-season loss, Sellis believes his team has grown, explaining, “It was the first game in 7 years for a lot of us, so a lot of rust to clean off. We saw a lot of mistakes that we have paid attention to.” While playing on the road in Kaunas is a clear disadvantage, Sellis sees the long journey as a bonding opportunity, adding, “Well playing away is always hard. We have a long road to travel, so Kaunas definitely has a big advantage in that sense, but also long bus rides bring the team together.”
His overall sentiment is one of grateful excitement, viewing the entire season as an “awesome” and almost surreal experience. “I am super excited for the game, to me this all still feels like a fever dream and I am still pinching myself to realize it’s all for real.”
The first-timer
On the other side stands Kaunas Dukes signal-caller Arturas Mockus, for whom this game represents a monumental first. “This would be my first Baltic League championship game. This is also the team’s first ever Baltic Bowl,” he said. However, he is no stranger to high-pressure games, having led his team to a Lithuanian Cup championship in 2023.
Mockus carries the confidence of an unbeaten record and a previous 8-6 victory over the Titans, though he emphasizes that his team will still make strategic adjustments. “We do make changes going into every game. It also depends on how the opponents play and the weather. This game will be no different,” he stated.
He has immense respect for the challenge ahead, expecting a “strong defense from the Titans. They do have a lot of experienced players that played in other teams and leagues. They also have an experienced coaching staff.” For Mockus, the home-field advantage is a minor convenience, but he believes the real battle is won between the lines, noting, “It adds a bit of convenience, but doesn’t change anything drastically. When I’m out there on the field it always feels the same to me.”
The battle within the battle
This matchup is defined by its contrasts. Sellis brings the poise of a champion who has been here before, while Mockus embodies the hunger of a newcomer leading an undefeated team on a historic run. Sellis will need to use his experience to solve the Dukes’ aggressive defensive schemes and overcome the road environment. Mockus must prove his regular-season win was no fluke and that he can perform under the brightest lights he has ever faced. When the ball is snapped, it will all come down to which quarterback can best execute their game plan and handle the immense pressure of a championship final.
Watch the game live. Tartu Titans @ Kaunas Dukes, Nov. 22, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am ET)
