Prague Lions roar to historic winning season in 2025

The Prague Lions engineered a remarkable turnaround in the 2025 European League of Football season, finishing with a franchise-best 7-5 record and remaining in playoff contention under new head coach Dave Warner.

A new defensive identity
The most significant transformation came on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions built one of the ELF’s most formidable defenses, leading the entire league in interceptions. This new identity, anchored by key imports like defensive back Ken Hike Jr. and safety Lautaro Frecha, ranked among the best units in both pass and rush defense. This stalwart group kept the team competitive through early losses and was the primary catalyst for their winning record, allowing the offense time to find its footing as the season progressed.

An offense finding its way
While the defense excelled, the offense showed clear areas for growth. The team’s 1,744 passing yards ranked near the bottom of the league, and protection was an issue as the offensive line allowed 30 sacks, the third-highest total in the ELF. The ground game, led by running back Adam Žouželka and his 861 rushing yards, provided a consistent bright spot. The passing attack found a reliable star in receiver William Patterson, who hauled in 57 catches for 754 yards and 9 touchdowns, offering a potent big-play threat.

A foundation for the future
The 2025 season proved the Prague Lions are no longer an easy win and can compete with the league’s established teams. However, the offseason brings a significant challenge with the departure of architect Dave Warner. The retention of core players like offensive lineman Jasper Friis and defensive standout Ken Hike Jr. provides crucial stability. For the Lions to take the next step and secure their first playoff berth, they must build upon their defensive dominance and develop a more consistent and productive passing game to support their effective rushing attack.