The Fujitsu Frontiers (4-1) bring one of the X League Premier’s most productive passing attacks into Sunday’s matchup with the SEKISUI Challengers (0-4-1), who return to Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki still searching for their first victory of the season.
There is some history working in SEKISUI’s favor. The Challengers beat the Frontiers last season, but repeating that result means slowing an offense averaging 239.2 passing yards per game.
Takagi has Frontiers flying
Tsubasa Takagi showed just how quickly Fujitsu can take over a game in its 41-19 victory over the IBM Big Blue.
After IBM fought back from a 21-7 deficit to make it 21-19 late in the third quarter, Kazuki Kimura grabbed the ensuing kickoff and tore 99 yards for a touchdown. Takagi took it from there, firing touchdown passes on each of the next two Fujitsu possessions as the Frontiers buried the comeback with 20 unanswered points.
Takagi finished 21 of 34 for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Daniel Barker did most of the damage downfield, hauling in five passes for 145 yards and three scores, while Samajie Grant added five catches for 76 yards.
Safron and Knight need to connect
If SEKISUI is going to spring the upset, Garrett Safron and Boogie Knight figure to play a major role.
That connection struck quickly against the All Mitsubishi Lions. Safron marched the Challengers 84 yards in nine plays on their opening possession and finished the drive by hitting Knight for a 19-yard touchdown.
Safron later found Takuro Abe for another score, but three second-half interceptions helped All Mitsubishi pull away for a 48-21 win.
The Challengers are averaging 184.8 passing yards per game, and Knight gives Safron a target capable of creating problems for the Fujitsu secondary.
Turnovers could shape the afternoon
That’s where Fujitsu’s defense can change the game. The Frontiers have produced nine takeaways, tied for third in the league, and another turnover-heavy afternoon would make SEKISUI’s job considerably harder.
The matchup through the air should be worth watching at both ends. Fujitsu ranks second in passing offense, while the Challengers bring the league’s third-ranked pass defense into Kawasaki.
SEKISUI needs a breakthrough. Fujitsu wants to keep pressure on the teams around it near the top of the standings.
Something has to give Sunday at Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki.