Japan: Panasonic, Elecom Kobe collide in key X League Premier matchup

The Panasonic Impulse (3-2) and Elecom Kobe Finies (3-2) square off Friday at MK Taxi Field Expo with identical records but very different momentum heading into a pivotal X League Premier matchup.

Defending champion Panasonic has shaken off an 0-2 start with three straight wins, while Elecom Kobe has dropped two in a row. The Finies, though, came within 59 seconds of handing the unbeaten Obic Seagulls their first loss last time out.

Panasonic finding its stride

The Impulse have settled in on both sides of the ball during their three-game run.

Their defense leads the league, allowing just 33.4 rushing yards and 142.8 passing yards per game. Offensively, Panasonic ranks second with 128.6 rushing yards per game and leads the league with a 51 percent third-down conversion rate.

Keita Suda was at the center of everything in the Impulse’s 33-0 win over the Fujifilm Ebina Minerva AFC. The quarterback completed 10 of 14 passes for 107 yards and three touchdowns while adding a team-high 62 yards on the ground.

Gemei Tachikawa chipped in 57 yards on eight carries as Panasonic piled up 170 rushing yards. The defense was just as dominant, holding Fujifilm Ebina to 68 total yards and seven on the ground.

Bullock gives Finies a spark

Elecom Kobe may have lost 24-21 to Obic, but new quarterback Xeaivier Bullock nearly helped the Finies pull off the upset.

Trailing 17-6 entering the fourth quarter, Elecom Kobe came roaring back. Seio Kuroyanagi blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown before a successful two-point conversion cut the gap to three.

Taii Masagaya then intercepted Pierce Holley and raced 59 yards to the Obic three. Bullock took it from there, powering into the end zone to put the Finies ahead 21-17 with 3:14 remaining.

Bullock completed 13 of 26 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown and added 35 yards and a score on 14 carries.

Turnovers could swing it

The Finies have built a knack for taking the football away, tying Obic for the league lead with 11 takeaways. That ability nearly changed the outcome against the Seagulls and could be critical against a Panasonic offense that has become increasingly efficient.

The Impulse, meanwhile, can attack on the ground, extend drives and lean on a defense that has been extremely difficult to move.

With both teams sitting at 3-2, Friday’s game offers Panasonic a chance to stretch its winning streak to four. For Elecom Kobe, it is an opportunity to turn last week’s near-upset into something more valuable — a win.