Hungary: Huge Eastern derby will decide playoff seeding
The Nyíregyháza Tigers visit the Miskolc Steelers in the Hungarian Football League (HFL), June 9 to play a game that was postponed in March due to weather conditions. Since then, this game has taken on huge implications in Hungary as teams jostle for position with the playoffs looming.
Miskolc Steelers (4-1) – Nyíregyháza Tigers (4-1) June 9th
Photo: Tamás Battyányi
Finally, the game with the most heated atmosphere in the HFL! The rivalry between these two teams has elevated to a whole new level in the last few years, which always gave the supporters a very good match-up to watch.
The Miskolc Steelers enter the game following a decisive victory against the Fehérvár Enthroners. The running game of last year’s silver medalist still seems unstoppable. The Enthroners D-line could not stop Andre Whyte’s rushes. Add to this the fact that ex-Tiger quarterback Vasyl Yordan put up a playoff performance throwing 5 touchdown passes. Moreover, Yordan is not the only former Tigers player on the team. This seems like a Steelers that will be hard to beat on its home field.
Photo: Zsolt Hulyok
However, the Eastern derby is a game where everything can happen.
Tigers’ head coach, Thomas Smythe made some modifications by putting his Ukrainian offensive linemen on the defensive line. In addition, the linebackers might be good enough to stop Whyte’s runs.
On the other hand, quarterback Brian Gessel is one of the best playmakers in the HFL, which he showed in every game, especially during the DAK Acél Gorillaz game by throwing three touchdown passes and running for one TD. Nonetheless, this game will be special for Troy Rice, Dániel Menczel and Gábor Sviatkó, who will play against their former squad. Thus, the emotions will be high for both teams.
