Örebro Black Knights outlast Carlstad Crusaders to advance to Superserien playoff
This past Sunday, the Örebro Black Knights headed to Karlstad to face the Carlstad Crusaders in a “do or die” game for a chance to make the Swedish Superserien playoffs.
With rain coming down all game, the game remained scoreless until the fourth quarter when the Black Knights scored the game’s lone touchdown and added the crucial two-point conversion to win 8-0 ad advance to the Swedish single-game championship game qualifier.
Heading into the game, Örebro was winless and trailed Carlstad by seven points, -89 to -96, in the point differential. This meant that not only would the Black Knights need to defeat the Crusaders in the regular season finale, but they would need to win by eight points or more.
Örebro RB Kasper Wedberg bulls his way into the end zone to score the critical 2-point conversion needed to advance. Photo: Jonas Domfors
As stated earlier, both teams were battling weather conditions that was making it difficult to do anything on offense, especially pass the ball. In the end, both sides combined for only 74 total passing yards the entire game.
The Crusaders and Black Knights were in a defensive battle all game until the start of the fourth quarter. After nearly 38 minutes of gameplay, Örebro would finally get the points they desperately needed. After only completing three passes all game, quarterback Trevor Vasey marched his team on a 16 play, 80 yard drive, capping it with a 24 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rasmus Brolin for the game’s only touchdown with seven minutes left.
Deciding not to take any chances, the Black Knights gambled on the 2pt conversion and running back Kasper Wedberg made it good upping the score to 8-0.
After this, Örebro had to hold off a desperate Crusaders squad, keeping them scoreless the rest of the game to clinch the playoffs. The closest Carlstad would get would come on the ensuing drive. The quarterback duo of Hunter Belzo and Albin Forsman led them down to the Black Knights 30 yard line.However, the Black Knights came up with the biggest play of their season as Martin Jappinen blocked the 47-yard field goal attempt from Forsman.
Carlstad RB Victor Toresson battling for yardage Photo: Jonas Domfors
Carlstad would get the ball two more times, but with their season on the line, the Örebro defense held strong. The game would end with quarterback Trevor Vasey kneeling the ball out, sealing the victory and their spot in the Black Knights’ Superserien semi-final.
With the win, Örebro will have a chance to extend their season one more week and make a third straight Superserien Final. Örebro will face the Tyresö Royal Crowns on Friday, June 30th.
