LIVESTREAM Scandinavian Cup PPV: Eidsvoll 1814s @ Carlstad Crusaders, April 29, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am EDT)

AFI | 2023 Scandinavian Cup | 04/29/2023

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders will play host to the reigning Norwegian titleholders, the Eidsvoll 1814s, Saturday, April 29 as the Scandinavian Cup winds up the first round of play.

Last weekend, the Örebro Black Knights downed the Oslo Vikings 22-13 in Oslo to open the tournament.

This is the second year the Scandinavian Cup is being played and four teams are competing for the title. The Carlstad Crusaders and Örebro Black Knights from Sweden and Norway’s Eidsvoll 1814s and Oslo Vikings.

The Crusaders are coming off a tough 33-7 loss to the Tyresö Royal Crowns two weeks ago on the opening day of the Swedish Superserien while this will be Eidsvoll’s first action of 2023.

Carlstad head coach Alex Burdette has had time for this team to regroup and will no doubt be well prepared for this game. Starting quarterback Dante Vandeven can cause problems with his dual threat capabilities. At running back Burdette will rely on Victor Toresson. Defensively, Team Sweden linebacker Mattis Eriksson anchors the front seven.

The 1814s, with the only female head coach in Scandinavia, Jenny Widding (who played for the Crusaders women’s team in 2019), could surprise. She will rely on quarterback Wilhelm Arnes Domaas who is a product of the Oslo Vikings. The offensive line is anchored by center Rich Queen (UMass) with the versatile Michael Anthony Hall (who played quarterback in the 2022 title game) at running back and a set of excellent wide receivers including Stian Skøien Braaten and Arne August Skovseth Søgaard. Two keys to the defense are defensive linemen Sondre Bøyeie and Sverre Baraas-Klungseth. The secondary features safety Eirik Nordahl Lystad and defensive back Odin S. Haugseth.

This is an interesting matchup although home field advantage will definitely help. Carlstad will be out to prove that the opening game loss to the Royal Crowns was a fluke while the 1814s will be out to prove that the championship game win last season was no fluke.