LIVESTREAM Swedish Semifinal: Kristianstad Predators @ Carlstad Crusaders, July 5, 14:00 CET (2 pm, 8 am ET)

| American Football | 07/05/2025

The Carlstad Crusaders (7-1), reigning Swedish Superserien champions and the number 1 playoff seed, host the 4th seed Kristianstad Predators (4-4) at Sola Arena in Karlstad on July 5, aiming to advance to their 16th final against a surging Predators squad fresh off a dramatic playoff-clinching win.

Carlstad’s resilient campaign
Carlstad secured the top seed with a pivotal 42-28 Week 10 comeback victory over Örebro, erasing a 14-point deficit to cement their status as title favorites. Quarterback Slade Jarman (1,834 passing yards, 25 TDs) and dual-threat weapon Tim Schulz (555 rushing yards, 380 receiving yards, 5 TDs) power an offense that averages 34.8 points per game. The Crusaders’ defense, league-best in yards allowed (133 per game), faces a unique challenge in Kristianstad’s high-risk, high-reward scheme.

Watch live PPV. Kristianstad Predators @ Carlstad Crusaders, July 5, 14:00 CET (2 pm, 8 am ET)

Kristianstad’s offensive revival
The Predators, last year’s cellar dwellers (1-6), transformed into playoff contenders behind quarterback Miles Richardson’s league-leading 1,878 passing yards, 21 TDs, and 579 rushing yards (third in Superserien). Belgian receiver Lou De Boe (600 yards, 7 TDs) anchors a dynamic aerial attack, while late-season additions of three French imports bolster depth. However, Kristianstad’s league-worst 78.1 penalty yards per game and porous run defense (second-most rushing yards allowed) threaten their upset bid.

Defensive contrasts
Carlstad’s disciplined front seven, which held Örebro to 28 points despite early turnovers, must contain Richardson’s scrambling and limit explosive plays. The Predators’ defense, middle-of-the-pack in yards allowed, struggles against balanced attacks—a weakness Schulz and Jarman aim to exploit. Kristianstad’s inability to stop the run (5.1 yards per carry allowed) clashes with Carlstad’s ground game, which averages 172 rushing yards per contest.

Coaching perspective
Carlstad head coach Christian Forsman emphasized humility post-Örebro: “We don’t get a second chance against Kristianstad like we did against Örebro. Focus and preparation determine this outcome, not seeding.” His caution reflects Carlstad’s history of playoff stumbles despite superior records.

Playoff implications
A Carlstad victory sets up a potential final rematch with Tyresö, while Kristianstad seeks its first title game appearance since 2018. The Crusaders’ experience and defensive pedigree contrast with the Predators’ momentum and Richardson’s improvisational flair. With Kristianstad’s penalty-prone line and Carlstad’s red-zone efficiency (25 TDs for Jarman), discipline and turnovers will decide this semifinal.

Watch live PPV. Kristianstad Predators @ Carlstad Crusaders, July 5, 14:00 CET (2 pm, 8 am ET)

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