The defending IFL Southern Division Champion Lazio Marines opened their 2016 campaign two weeks ago with a decisive 22-0 win on the road against the Bologna Warriors in catastrophic weather conditions.
On Sunday, March 20th the Marines will look to get back on track as their fast-paced, no-huddle air raid offense as they host the upstart Firenze Guelfi from Florence.
Marines quarterback Anders Hermodsson (Sweden) is currently the top rated rusher in the league after picking up 150 yards on the ground in Bologna. Although the weather hindered the Marines passing attack, Hermodsson was able to put up 142 yards through the air with two touchdowns (both to Tommaso Pozzebon).
The Marines defense allowed just 82 total yards of offense in the season opener and linebacker Quandon Christian (Clemson) was named the IFL Magazine Player after racking up 6 solo tackles, an assisted tackle, a tackle for loss, a pass break up, and a forced fumble.
The Guelfi, who moved up from the 2nd division, have been very impressive in their first two games in the IFL. First, they lost a heartbreaker on the road to the Ferrara Aquile by a score of 21-17. The following weekend they traveled to Ancona to face to the Dolphins, the team that most see as the Marines top competition for the Southern Division title. The game was tied 14-14 at the break, but Ancona pulled away for a 26-14 victory in the 2nd half.
The offense of Firenze is led by quarterback Daniel Dobson (St. Olaf College) who has thrown for 395 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, and has run for 99 yards and one touchdown in two games.
Defensively, the Guelfi are led by linebacker Andrea Benoni (13 tackles, 4 tackles for loss), national team defensive back Arturo Morara, and import safety Kyle Griffin (Northern Colorado).
While the Marines enter the game as favorites, Firenze has proven to be a team capable of beating any team in the division and a hard battle is expected.
