A playoff grudge match is set as the Nojima Sagamihara Rise and Fujitsu Frontiers—who finished fourth and fifth overall—clash in an XLeague quarterfinal defined by razor-thin margins and a recent dramatic regular-season finish.
Offensive firepower on display
This game features two of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks. For Nojima Sagamihara, Kurt Palandech is the engine. Ranking third in passing yards (1,293) and fourth in rushing yards (326), his dual-threat versatility makes him a constant danger. His chemistry with big-play receiver Tay Cunningham—who ranked fourth in receiving yards (492) and second in touchdown catches (11)—is the centerpiece of their attack. If last year’s leading rusher Sho Yoshizawa returns, it adds another dangerous layer.
Fujitsu counters with the precision of quarterback Tsubasa Takagi, who finished fifth in passing (1,259 yards) and threw just one interception all season. He expertly distributes the ball to a talented receiver group, including Samajie Grant, who tied for the league lead with seven touchdown receptions. The key for their offense is reviving a ground game led by Trashaun Nixon—the league’s leading rusher (456 yards)—after being held to just 44 yards in their last meeting.
The revenge factor
The storyline here is undeniable: Nojima Sagamihara won their regular-season matchup with two dramatic, last-minute touchdowns. That victory gives them a psychological edge, but it also guarantees Fujitsu will be laser-focused. The Frontiers’ defense, which has high overall ability, will be aiming to contain Palandech’s freedom and force him into mistakes.
What could decide it
Turnovers will likely be the difference. Nojima’s ball-hawking secondary, led by league interception leader Yuchi Miyamoto, will look to take away Takagi’s careful passing. Conversely, if Fujitsu’s defense can pressure Palandech and create a takeaway or two, it could swing momentum. In what projects as another tight, back-and-forth battle, one critical play—a forced fumble, a key third-down stop, or a single deep shot to a star receiver—will decide who advances to the semifinals.
Source: XLeague
